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November 20, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. 2012 (PG-13)
2. A Christmas Carol (PG)
3. Precious (R)
4. The Men Who Stare at Goats (R)
5. This Is It (PG)

Notables: As I noted in Wednesday's Weekly Intersections: The box office success of apocalyptic thriller 2012 (it made over $65 million in its opening weekend) has a lot of folks reflecting on our obsession with the end of the world.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (November 20, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:30 AM on November 20, 2009 | Comments (0)

November 18, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Newsweek continues its reflections on the first ten years of the new millennium. This week: Ten Things That Were Unknown in '99, But Are Indispensable Now. Quite a list, because it shows just how far we've come in our definition of "indispensible." I mean, Red Bull? Really? A nasty, little gossip site—you want to take up a slot on this list for that? I love iTunes just as much as the next person, but indispensable? As for the #1 item, well, I'll let that be a surprise. I happen to think it says a lot about where we are as a society.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (November 18, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:42 AM on November 18, 2009 | Comments (0)

November 13, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. A Christmas Carol (PG)
2. This Is It (PG)
3. The Men Who Stare at Goats (R)
4. The Fourth Kind (PG-13)
5. Paranormal Activity (R)

Notables: And just like that, Disney jumpstarts the holiday season a littler earlier than usual with another cinematic take on Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The folks at CT Movies say this one is one of the more faithful adaptations out there. Still, if you read the review, they didn't like it all that much. In my opinion, Dickens’ classic tale is one of the more powerful conversion stories in literature—and the Christmas backdrop only adds to its potency. This one might be worth a look. Still, when I see the Disney-fied aspects that have been pasted on to the old narrative—Scrooge being flung into the sky like a rocket or riding some sort of icy rollercoaster, trying his best to dodge perilous icicles—I cringe to no end. Your best bet is to actually grab a copy of Dickens’ book and work with the original. I think there are amazing moments in the story that can be used appropriately from the pulpit. Maybe the movie will allow you to draw from the source material and people can hang with you because of this new adaptation.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (November 13, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:03 AM on November 13, 2009 | Comments (0)

November 11, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Newsweek is looking back on the first decade of the new millennium. Here is their list of the top ten most important dates. Pressed for time? They offer the top ten moments in crash-course, seven-minute video form.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (November 11, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:35 AM on November 11, 2009 | Comments (0)

November 6, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. This Is It (PG)
2. Paranormal Activity (R)
3. Law Abiding Citizen (R)
4. Couples Retreat (PG-13)
5. Saw VI (R)

Notables: Pop singer Michael Jackson died during the final stages of preparation for his highly-anticipated "This Is It" tour (50 sold-out dates in London). In fact, when you read reports of the last few months of Jackson's life, it sure seems like it was the pressure of these make-or-break shows (plus one very, very troubled life) that sent him spiraling into drugs and wild abuse of his body. Nonetheless, people want to see what they never got a chance to see. So producers dutifully combed over hundreds of hours of video and cobbled together a glimpse into what might have been. Here's a review from the folks at CT Movies. A lot of other reviews for This Is It insist that there is nothing morbid about going to see this one. But I'm not sure how it can't rattle you from beginning to end. You're watching archived footage of a man wasting away for entertainment's sake. Even the title is eerie to the point of turning your stomach. Count me out. (Of course, I was never a Jackson fan, so this isn’t geared toward me.)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (November 6, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:26 AM on November 6, 2009 | Comments (0)

November 4, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Many of you know about the tragedy that struck Christian recording artist Steve Curtis Chapman's family a little over a year and a half ago. Chapman has just released his first album since he lost his daughter (entitled Beauty Will Rise), and Christianity Today's Mark Moring has just posted a moving interview with Chapman about the journey he and his family have been on.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (November 4, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:34 AM on November 4, 2009 | Comments (0)

October 28, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Popular atheist Richard Dawkins is putting together a book for young adults that answers all the big questions in life. The working title is What Is a Rainbow, Really? It's safe to assume his answer to the book's titular question will not begin with these words: "Well, let's turn to Genesis 9…"

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (October 28, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:00 AM on October 28, 2009 | Comments (0)

October 23, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Where the Wild Things Are (PG)
2. Law Abiding Citizen (R)
3. Paranormal Activity (R)
4. Couples Retreat (PG-13)
5. The Stepfather (PG-13)

Notables: The only thing worth looking into is Where the Wild Things Are. Director Spike Jonze—along with Gen X hero/author Dave Eggers—are behind this adaptation of a beloved children’s book that runs just a little over 300 words. How do you get an hour-and-half movie out of that? Well, you interpret its big ideas and add, add, add anything that can exist within those big ideas. Jonze and Eggers felt the big ideas bravely explore the darker, harder side of childhood and their movie boldly does the same. The reaction? Well, it made over $30 million dollars, but folks are passionately for or against it, with seemingly no middle ground. Interestingly, people love and hate it for the same reason: it’s willingness to explore the darker side of childhood. Check out the review from CT Movies for more thoughts on this one.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (October 23, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:02 AM on October 23, 2009 | Comments (0)

October 21, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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As if most of today's girls aren't self-conscious enough, folks are actually complaining that Barbie's ankles are too fat.


Take a few minutes to read The Defiant Ones, an essay about a disturbing trend in today's children's books.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (October 21, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:01 AM on October 21, 2009 | Comments (0)

October 15, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Couples Retreat (PG-13)
2. Zombieland (R)
3. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG)
4. Paranormal Activity (R)
5. Toy Story 1 & 2 (3-D editions) (G)

Notables: I’m out of the office tomorrow, so I’m posting the Friday Pop Culture Roundup on Thursday. Keep in mind, then, that the top searched-for items listed below are from the Google Trends report for Wednesday.

There’s not much to report here. Couples Retreat looks like a basic October comedy (just funny enough to draw a decent crowd) and the success of Paranormal Activity reminds us that Halloween is just around the corner. Still, a few links to check out:

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (October 16, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:41 AM on October 15, 2009 | Comments (0)

October 14, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Wow. I missed this one entirely. Did you hear about Penelope Trunk, the woman who twittered her miscarriage? In essence, the "tweet" celebrated how the miscarriage was going to save her the time and cost of an abortion. Honestly, folks, I don't have the words for this one. The author of the article gets at some of what raced through my mind as I read about the story. As you read, be sure to pay very close attention to Trunk's vocation. (HT: Christianity Today's Her.meneutics blog)

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (October 14, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:44 AM on October 14, 2009 | Comments (0)

October 9, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Zombieland (R)
2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG)
3. Toy Story 1 & 2 (3-D editions) (G)
4. Surrogates (PG-13)
5. The Invention of Lying (PG-13)

Notables: Let's talk about the two newbies on the list (Toy Story 1 & 2 don't count, because they are the same 'ole flicks rereleased with 3-D treatment).

First up is Zombieland. It's a horror-comedy flick that is playing quite well with audiences. It's safe to assume there's not much you can do with the actual movie itself, but the sudden interest in an old genre (zombie movies) might hint at something deeper. Consider this little thought that Ruben Fleischer, the move's director, dropped in an interview with Movieline.com:

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (October 9, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:33 AM on October 9, 2009 | Comments (0)

October 7, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

Newsweek's Julia Baird wonders if happiness is overrated. A great, short read—and a great invitation to think through the more substantive nature of joy.

What a curious little article from Time magazine: How Moses Shaped America.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (October 7, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:41 AM on October 7, 2009 | Comments (0)

October 2, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG)
2. Love Happens (PG-13)
3. Surrogates (PG-13)
4. Fame (PG)
5. Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself (R) (PG-13)

Notables: Two newbies this week: the Bruce Willis sci-fi thriller Surrogates, and the I’m-not-sure-anyone-was-clamoring-for-a-remake-of-this-one Fame. Both were trounced by a children’s flick about meatballs and a Jennifer Anistron rom-com that looks like every other Jennifer Aniston rom-com. I’d say that’s a bad opening weekend for both. So, there’s not much to report here, because there’s not much buzz here.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (October 2, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:45 AM on October 2, 2009 | Comments (0)

September 30, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Did you hear that archeologists recently discovered Nero's rotating banquet hall? Pretty mind-blowing. This circular space rotated to imitate the Earth's movement and impress his guests. Don't miss this line from one historian who points out the deeper message Nero was trying to get across through the hall: "The heart of every activity in ancient Rome was the banquet, together with some form of entertainment. Nero was like the sun, and people were revolving around the emperor."

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (September 30, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:03 AM on September 30, 2009 | Comments (0)

September 25, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG)
2. The Informant! (R)
3. Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself (R) (PG-13)
4. Love Happens (PG-13)
5. Jennifer's Body (R)

Notables: I can't say that anything on this list grabs me. But I can't help but feel like I need to give you a little "cinematic something" to think about. If you're looking for solid reviews of any of these films (and many more that are currently out in theatres), be sure to visit CT Movies.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (September 25, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:47 AM on September 25, 2009 | Comments (0)

September 23, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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I've got a great video for you this week. It's a recreation of a famous experiment on the self-control (or lack thereof) of children. A child is left alone in a room with one jumbo marshmallow. If they can restrain themselves from eating that one jumbo marshmallow, someone will return to give them two jumbo marshmallows. Watch what happens.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (September 23, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:33 AM on September 23, 2009 | Comments (0)

September 18, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself (R)
2. 9 (PG-13)
3. Inglourious Basterds (R)
4. All About Steve (PG-13)
5. The Final Destination (R)

Notables: Tyler Perry's winning streak continues. If you want to learn a little more about Perry, the folks at Christianity Today Movies did a feature article on him a little while ago. Give it a read.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (September 18, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:42 AM on September 18, 2009 | Comments (1)

September 16, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

The folks at Newsweek look at the rifts caused in Muslim families when one member of the family converts to Christianity.

A sobering look at what one layoff means for the whole town.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (September 16, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:41 AM on September 16, 2009 | Comments (0)

September 11, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. The Final Destination (R)
2. Inglourious Basterds (R)
3. All About Steve (PG-13)
4. Gamer (R)
5. District 9 (R)

Notables: I don't think there's much here, folks. There are two newbies: All About Steve, which is another Sandra Bullock rom-com, and Gamer. The previews of Gamer make it look like a typical action flick set in fast-forward. (Have we gotten to the point where all action movies are going to be done in a break-neck, unthinking, shaky camera manner? They're trying to do the whole Bourne Identity thing, but Bourne Identity was smart about it.) Anyway, I guess there might be something in Gamer. Emphasis on "might." It's about a savage on-line game that becomes a savage real-life game. The blurring of the lines between virtual and reality is, well, quite real.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (September 11, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:55 AM on September 11, 2009 | Comments (0)

September 9, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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The Chicago Tribune recently featured a story about Christian couples that share one email account to prevent infidelity.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (September 9, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:18 AM on September 9, 2009 | Comments (0)

September 4, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. The Final Destination (R)
2. Inglourious Basterds (R)
3. Halloween II (R)
4. District 9 (R)
5. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (PG-13)

Notables: I suppose the fact that there is yet another Final Destination movie says a lot about our continued obsession with the mystery of death: When will it happen? Does it have to happen? How will it happen? What will it feel like? This is supposedly the last one in the series (hence the use of a definitive article in the title), but you tell me—is a studio that just raked in millions going to refuse to greenlight a sequel? Stay tuned for The Final Final Destination (followed two years later by The Final Final Destination—No, We're Serious This Time).

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (September 4 , 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:47 AM on September 4, 2009 | Comments (0)

September 2, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Let your time of deep mourning end: I'm back. And where was I the last two weeks? Home. With a newborn (our firstborn). Which was quite wonderful and quite busy. But I'm back and ready to help steer you in some (hopefully) helpful directions. We'll kick things off with a rather fitting story given the reason for my absence: The folks at Reader'sDigest.com offer a look at how our obsession with kiddie-proofing the world has given rise to the "Bubble Baby."

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (September 2, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:38 AM on September 2, 2009 | Comments (1)

August 12, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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I'm having my wisdom teeth yanked on Thursday—please do feel sorry for me—so I won't be posting the usual Pop Culture roundup on Friday. In light of the Roundup's absence, I'll run a story here that I would have run there. A. O. Scott of The New York Times takes a fascinating look at why we love spoon-fed movies. He gamely argues that our movie-going habits turn a blazing spotlight on our overall immaturity.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (August 12, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:36 AM on August 12, 2009 | Comments (0)

August 7, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Funny People (R)
2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (PG)
3. G-Force (PG)
4. The Ugly Truth (R)
5. Aliens in the Attic (PG)

Notables: In most movies, when someone of bad character hits rock bottom, they have a conversion of sorts. The womanizer finally sees the error of his ways and settles down. The self-centered jerk embraces selflessness. The shopaholic realizes she loves her friends and family more than her shoes. You know the drill. Well, in Judd Apatow's newest film, Funny People, the lead character (played by Adam Sandler) finds out he is dying from cancer. He is then told he will make a full recovery (I've read that I'm not ruining anything by giving this away, so don't yell at me). Here's what's interesting, though: it sounds like the movie plays against type in that the Sandler character doesn't change on the other side of his health scare. Now, I've not seen the film. Maybe he does eventually change. I don't know. All I know is that according to stories I've read, Apatow's chief goal in the film was to explore what happens when a person fights against a conversion of sorts on the other side of something tragic. But is this against type? Or is it a look at something that happens all the time? One thing I've learned in pastoral ministry is that trials and tribulations either make us better people or worse people. There's not much middle ground.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (August 7, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:33 AM on August 7, 2009 | Comments (0)

August 5, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Have you heard about the 2-D love phenomenon over in Japan? Pretty disturbing, yet also quite telling of the times in which we live.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (August 5, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:56 AM on August 5, 2009 | Comments (0)

July 29, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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The folks at Slate asked readers to share what they have sacrificed in light of the recession. Some of the responses were to be expected (going out, vacation, cable service, etc). One gal, though, wrote about her decision to have an abortion because of financial uncertainty. This is a troubling article that sneaks up on you.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (July 29, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:21 AM on July 29, 2009 | Comments (0)

July 24, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (PG)
2. Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG)
3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PG-13)
4. Brüno (R)
5. The Proposal (PG-13)

Notables: As expected, Harry Potter ruled the box office. I've never read a word of the series, and I've never watched any of the films. But my lack of reading and watching is not born out of some type of evangelical conviction (which might disappoint some of you). I'm just not at all drawn to the books or the movies. At all. I know; I'm weird. Still, I know a lot of you are wondering about all the Potter mania. So I'll once again post some (hopefully) helpful links:

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (July 24, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:44 AM on July 24, 2009 | Comments (0)

July 22, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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July 20 was the 40th anniversary of man walking on the moon. The special occasion led to a spate of space-related stories, including a look at how one little boy with a skinny arm did his part in saving the crew of Apollo 11.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (July 22, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:39 AM on July 22, 2009 | Comments (0)

July 17, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Brüno (R)
2. Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG)
3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PG-13)
4. Public Enemies (R)
5. The Proposal (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (July 17, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:27 AM on July 17, 2009 | Comments (0)

July 14, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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For a number of years, psychology professor Colin Ellard has been doing research on why humans get lost so easily. He's published his findings in a new book entitled You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon but Get Lost in the Mall (great title). The folks at Time.com recently did a short interview with Ellard. Interesting guy, interesting thoughts.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (July 15, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 4:44 PM on July 14, 2009 | Comments (0)

July 10, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PG-13)
2. Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG)
3. Public Enemies (R)
4. The Proposal (PG-13)
5. The Hangover (R)

Notables: Is there anything here to pursue? I'm not sure. We've long known about The Proposal and The Hangover, so consider the newbies for a moment. The Transformers sequel sounds like a full-out popcorn flick: most of the money was spent on special effects and roughly a nickel was spent on the development of a plot. Ice Age is kiddy fare. There might be something in Public Enemies to explore, but you'll have to stomach some violence and a scene of sexuality. I know this to be true: in the film, John Dillinger is made out to be a sort of antihero. And you probably know by now some of my thoughts on that.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (July 10, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:40 AM on July 10, 2009 | Comments (1)

July 7, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Last week I posted an article from The New York Times that emphatically stated the state of marriage is stronger than ever. A recent cover story from Time magazine seems to be a little more doom and gloom. There's some painful stuff in there - from the personal story the author shares to open the piece (it's supposed to be funny, but yowtch) to this sad-but-true line: "A lasting covenant between a man and a woman can be a vehicle for the nurture and protection of each other, the one reliable shelter in an uncaring world - or it can be a matchless tool for the infliction of suffering on the people you supposedly love above all others, most of all on your children."

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (July 8, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:30 AM on July 7, 2009 | Comments (0)

July 1, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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One potent little line from a recent article in The New York Times that I suspect will whet your appetite to read more: "Despite strong social riptides working against it - the liberalization of divorce laws, the vanishing stigma of divorce, the continual online temptations of social sites like MySpace or Facebook - the marriage bond is far stronger in 21st-century America than many may assume." The article - entitled "Marriage Stands Up for Itself" - is written in light of the recent revelation of Governor Mark Sanford's (SC) infidelity.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (July 1, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:27 AM on July 1, 2009 | Comments (0)

June 26, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. The Proposal (PG-13)
2. The Hangover (R)
3. Up (PG)
4. Year One (PG-13)
5. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (R)

Notables: The Proposal is another Sandra Bullock vehicle. When I saw a preview for it, I thought, I think we've all seen this one before - mean-spirited person has icy heart thawed by unlikely budding romance with kind-hearted person. I am quite thankful my wife views this as a Netflix option. That's $7–9 back in my pocket to go see Up again.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (June 26, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:32 AM on June 26, 2009 | Comments (2)

June 12, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. The Hangover (R)
2. Up (PG)
3. Land of the Lost (PG-13)
4. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG)
5. Star Trek (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (June 12, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:32 AM on June 12, 2009 | Comments (0)

June 10, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Well, my friends, I was out sick last week with a nasty little sinus infection. I apologize if the absence of my weekly intersections turned your world upside down, but I am quite serious when I say I felt like my world was upside down. But I'm on the mend and good to go…

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (June 10, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:43 AM on June 10, 2009 | Comments (0)

June 5, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Up (PG)
2. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG)
3. Terminator Salvation (PG-13)
4. Drag Me to Hell (PG-13)
5. Star Trek (PG-13)

Notables: Everything Pixar touches turns to gold. Some folks thought Up might not draw as many kids because the protagonist is an old man. Well, "some folks" was wrong. It took in $68.1 million in its opening weekend to crush the rest of the competition. From all I've seen, there's not one negative review of this thing. Critics and audiences absolutely adore it. I'm hoping to catch it this weekend. Here's a review of Up from the folks at CT Movies, and don't forget about the interview that CT Movies' Mark Moring had with the film's director, Pete Docter (a believer).

As for the rest of the list, the only other thing worth noting is that it's awfully fascinating to see how schizophrenic we are in what we are drawn to. I mean, on the same weekend some wanted to go Up, while others said Drag Me to Hell.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (June 5, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 6:36 AM on June 5, 2009 | Comments (0)

May 29, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG)
2. Terminator Salvation (PG-13)
3. Star Trek (PG-13)
4. Angels & Demons (PG-13)
5. Dance Flick (PG-13)

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Notables: At the close of last week's section on the top five movies, I said that the next go around, Terminator Salvation would own this list. A rather ignorant prediction, because I forgot to remember that the sequel to 2007's Night at the Museum was going to be unleashed on the same weekend. Night at the Museum is a family flick. Terminator Salvation is for people who like lots of gunfire - more specifically, lots of gunfire aimed in the direction of robots bent on ushering in the apocalypse. You tell me which demographic is bigger. And just like that, Terminator Salvation could only pull off second place.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (May 29, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 6:38 AM on May 29, 2009 | Comments (0)

May 27, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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As you've probably heard by now, the pollsters at Gallup announced that for the first time since they started asking questions concerning abortion in 1995, more Americans are pro-life than pro-choice. In this article Nancy Gibbs, of Time magazine, tries to untangle what this shift says about us as a nation. Though she only offers it in passing, I thought this quick point was a good point indeed: "People under 30 are more opposed to abortion than those who are older, perhaps because their first baby pictures were often taken in utero."

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (May 27, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:49 AM on May 27, 2009 | Comments (0)

May 22, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Angels & Demons (PG-13)
2. Star Trek (PG-13)
3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (PG-13)
4. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (PG-13)
5. Obsessed (PG-13)

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Notables: Another adaptation of a Dan Brown novel takes the top spot. This really isn't all that surprising. The Da Vinci Code was a worldwide blockbuster, virtually assuring a lot of folks were going to check this one out. And people really do like Tom Hanks. A director could film him talking to a volleyball and folks would pay to see it.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (May 22, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:22 AM on May 22, 2009 | Comments (0)

May 20, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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After nearly two years in prison for bankrolling dog fighting, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has been released from prison. As I made my way to work this morning, the radio was abuzz about whether or not he should be given a second chance in the NFL. Second chances: a topic that never gets old, and certainly shouldn't for believers. (In a related story, check out this ESPN article about former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy visiting Vick in prison. Pay special attention to that last paragraph. Is there a kinder, classier guy in the sports world than Dungy?

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (May 20, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:46 AM on May 20, 2009 | Comments (0)

May 15, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Star Trek (PG-13)
2. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (PG-13)
3. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (PG-13)
4. Obsessed (PG-13)
5. 17 Again (PG-13)

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Notables: I'd say the attempt to "reboot" Star Trek was a success. It made a whopping $75.2 million in its opening weekend. I have no idea how big the drop-off will be, but I bet plays pretty well for a few weeks. I'm not a Trekkie by any stretch of the imagination. In fact - I know this is going to draw the wrath of some of you - I would go so far as to say I can't stand Star Trek. I just think that most of the time it makes no sense at all and the characters seem like caricatures. I don't get the hubbub about it. And I certainly don't get the conventions the fanboys hold. Wow. That being said, I gave the new one a chance, and I liked it. I could have done without the constant attempts at drawing back in the silly catchphrases of the earlier shows and film adaptations, but overall, a good popcorn flick. Perfect summer watching. But does it have anything of real illustrative value? Not really. Though I have to say that between Lost (now, I am quite crazy about that show) and the new Star Trek, time travel is all the rage again. Both have left people's heads spinning with "what if" scenarios. We like more than ever the whole idea of being able to leave the present to alter the past to change the future.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (May 15, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:02 AM on May 15, 2009 | Comments (0)

May 8, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (PG-13)
2. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (PG-13)
3. Obsessed (PG-13)
4. 17 Again (PG-13)
5. Monsters vs. Aliens (G)

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Notables: The summer movie season officially kicked off this last weekend with the release of Wolverine. In a last minute decision to kill a little time before the start of game seven of the Bulls-Celtics series, a friend and I decided to catch an early show of the newest installment in the X-Men series. I have to say that I enjoyed it for what it was - a popcorn flick meant to entertain. I didn't gain any new insight into the world, but I sure liked seeing Wolverine cut things up with his metal claws. All in all, though, nothing much else to report.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (May 8, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:31 AM on May 8, 2009 | Comments (0)

May 6, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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According to a recent survey, the more often Americans go to church, the more likely they are to support the torture of suspected terrorists. (After you've read the story, check out this response from David Neff of ChristianityToday.com.

More and more pastors are encouraging their congregants to Twitter during worship services.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (May 6, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:48 AM on May 6, 2009 | Comments (0)

May 1, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Obsessed (PG-13)
2. 17 Again (PG-13)
3. Fighting (PG-13)
4. The Soloist (PG-13)
5. Earth (G)

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Notables: I know these don't look like remakes, but they are. Obsessed is riffing on Fatal Attraction, 17 Again is riffing on Big, Fighting is riffing on a combination of Bloodsport and Fight Club, The Soloist is riffing on every man-learns-a-life-lesson-from-the-most-unlikeliest-source movie you've ever seen, and Earth is riffing on BBC's Planet Earth (and I really have no idea how you can improve on Planet Earth).

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (May 1, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 3:47 AM on May 1, 2009 | Comments (0)

April 30, 2009

Thinking beyond ourselves, even as we take care of ourselves

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Though I'm pretty sure I don't have full-blown OCD, I flirt with it. If I could rig my shower to do so, I would bathe in Purell. Since I can't, I make due with a bottle of hand sanitizer on my desk, a small travel bottle in my coat pocket, and another small travel bottle in my car. By all means, make fun of me if you feel the urge. My family does. My wife gets headaches from how often she rolls her eyes over my tangled mess of neuroses, and for my 30th birthday last year - a milestone birthday - my grinning parents gave me an industrial-sized bottle of hand sanitizer. I've not yet used it. It's safely stored away in my bomb shelter. (I'm totally kidding about the bomb shelter - but only because we just don't have the money to build it right now.)

Continue reading "Love in a Time of Swine Flu"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 2:38 PM on April 30, 2009 | Comments (5)

April 21, 2009

Over the next few days, Brian Larson and Steve Mathewson will be using this blog to write live updates from the Gospel Coalition conference. In light of this, there will be no Weekly Intersections or Friday Pop Culture Roundup this week. But wipe those tears from your eyes - both will return next week.

Posted by Brian Lowery at 1:59 PM on April 21, 2009 | Comments (0)

April 17, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Hannah Montana: The Movie (G)
2. Fast & Furious (PG-13)
3. Monsters vs. Aliens (PG)
4. Observe and Report (R)
5. Knowing (PG-13)

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Notables: As you probably noticed, we took a breather last week for Good Friday. While we were away there were a few notable changes to this list. Miley Cyrus can now say that along with the world of TV and music, she has also conquered the world of cinema. Not too shabby for a 16-year-old. Here's a review of her flick from the folks at CT Movies. To read additional stories about Cyrus, her family, and her/their faith, click here and here.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (April 17, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:21 AM on April 17, 2009 | Comments (2)

April 15, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes?

Easton High (PA) and Phillipsburg High (NJ) have had quite the football rivalry since 1905. Easton High leads the series 57-40-5. You'll notice there have been 5 ties. Well, pretty soon, there will only be 4. Gatorade is sponsoring a rematch for the 1993 contest that ended in a deadlock. That means a lot of out-of-shape dudes are trying get into shape right this very minute.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (April 15, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:56 AM on April 15, 2009 | Comments (0)

April 9, 2009

A few thoughts on U2's No Line on the Horizon

Years ago, when I was in grade school, my dad called me over to the record player in our family room and said, "I want you to listen to something." He slapped these massive headphones on my buzzed head, dropped the needle with a pop, I heard the whir of the vinyl, and then The Joshua Tree broke through. Up to that point, I thought music was for consumption. I had no idea it could consume.

Continue reading "Living in a Line/No Line World"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:12 AM on April 9, 2009 | Comments (0)

April 8, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes…

Newsweek sure knows how to get a little attention at Easter time. This week's cover story? The End of Christian America.

And here's another provocative article: Has America become numb to tragedy?

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (April 8, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:42 AM on April 8, 2009 | Comments (0)

April 6, 2009

I know this is a bit of a diversion from our usual theme of gospel and culture, but I want to let you know that Preaching Today's Faith Visuals is running a list of their Top Ten NEW Easter Videos. Check it out.

Also, if you're looking for other Easter resources - sermon ideas, illustrations, and related images - click here.

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:31 AM on April 6, 2009 | Comments (0)

April 3, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Monsters vs. Aliens (PG)
2. The Haunting in Connecticut (PG-13)
3. Knowing (PG-13)
4. I Love You, Man (R)
5. Duplicity (PG-13)

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Notables: It was surprising to see Knowing take the top spot last week. It was not surprising to see Monsters vs. Aliens do it this week. Children's Movie + Most Schools Being on Spring Break + Trendy 3-D Animation = Big Hit. The review on CT Movies says you get what you've come to expect from today's kids' flicks: "There are poop jokes. There are pop culture references. And there's not much in the way of storytelling or characterization."

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (April 3, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:31 AM on April 3, 2009 | Comments (0)

April 1, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes?

This is one of the most thought-provoking articles I've read in a long, long time. It forces us to ponder, "What happens when, for the first time in history, adult human beings are free to have all the sex and food they want?" (ht: Ethics and Public Policy Center)

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (April 1, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:41 AM on April 1, 2009 | Comments (0)

March 27, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Knowing (PG-13)
2. I Love You, Man (R)
3. Duplicity (PG-13)
4. Race to Witch Mountain (PG)
5. Watchmen (R)

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Notables: Knowing sort of came out of nowhere, didn't it? I figured the weekend was going to belong to I Love You, Man. Its success might present a great opportunity because according to the review at CT Movies, the Nicolas Cage thriller is "a moving, suspenseful, thought-provoking thriller that raises surprisingly spiritual questions." Count Roger Ebert as a raving fan, too. In fact, it seems he can't stop writing about the film's spiritual themes. I've not seen the film, but I do wonder if folks are drawn to it because of the awful uncertainty of the times.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (March 27, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:17 AM on March 27, 2009

March 25, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes?

Time magazine's website recently featured an article about a "quiet revolution" that's taking place in the Muslim world.

A Manhattan "artist-turned-medical-student" is using a CT scanner to discover the "inner beauty" of cultural icons like the Big Mac and Barbie. I'm not sure what to make of the validity of this project, but the idea of searching for deeper beauty is always a good topic.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (March 25, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:43 AM on March 25, 2009 | Comments (2)

March 20, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Race to Witch Mountain (PG)
2. Watchmen (R)
3. The Last House on the Left (R)
4. Taken (PG-13)
5. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (PG-13)

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Notables: Race to Witch Mountain is a remake of the 1975 film Escape to Witch Mountain. Actually, they are calling it a "reimagining" of the original. Here's something I thought was interesting: In the 1975 version, the two kids were helped by an inner-city Irish priest named Father O'Day. In the re-imagined version, the two kids are helped by a cab driver in Las Vegas. Now that's an interesting change, wouldn't you say? It's obviously fueled by all the awful headlines about priests and kids. But really - of all the possibilities to replace the priest, they thought it was perfectly appropriate to put the kids with a cab driver in Vegas? I've been in a cab in Vegas. Trust me - the driver was not trying to steer me or my colleagues in a helpful, healthy direction.

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (March 20, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:48 AM on March 20, 2009 | Comments (1)

March 18, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes?

Like you, we've been praying for the family of Fred Winters, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois, who was shot and killed during a Sunday service on March 8, 2009. His wife, Cindy Winters, recently did an interview for CBS's Early Show. Click here to read/watch a powerful story of forgiveness and hope that seems about as Easter as it gets.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (March 18, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:46 AM on March 18, 2009

March 13, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Watchmen (R)
2. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (PG-13)
3. Taken (PG-13)
4. Slumdog Millionaire (R)
5. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (March 13, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 6:44 AM on March 13, 2009

March 11, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes?

In another stab at the previous administration, President Obama has overturned a policy that limits federal tax dollars for embryonic stem cell research. And just like that, the national debate kicked into high gear. When you're done reading the usual array of talking points from the left and the right, here's a provocative take from the folks at Slate. The article's subject line says it all: "You just won the stem-cell war; don't lose your soul."

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (March 11, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:41 AM on March 11, 2009

March 6, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (PG-13)
2. Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience (G)
3. Slumdog Millionaire (R)
4. Taken (PG-13)
5. He Just Not That Into You (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (March 6, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:29 AM on March 6, 2009

March 4, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes?

Man sees two women are about to get hit by a truck. Man pushes the two women out of the way of the truck. Man gets struck by truck instead. Man lives! Man is then charged with jaywalking.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (March 4, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 3:41 PM on March 4, 2009

February 27, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail (PG-13)
2. Coraline (PG)
3. Taken (PG-13)
4. He Just Not That Into You (PG-13)
5. Slumdog Millionaire (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (February 27, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 5:58 AM on February 27, 2009

February 25, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes?

Did you watch the Oscars? All you need is a quick look at the list of winners to know that the night belonged to Slumdog Millionaire. The talk among folks is that this year's most-celebrated movie is quite different from last year's most celebrated movie (No Country for Old Men).

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (February 25, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:29 AM on February 25, 2009

February 20, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Friday the 13th (R)
2. He's Just Not That Into You (PG-13)
3. Taken (PG-13)
4. Coraline (PG)
5. Confessions of a Shopaholic (PG)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (February 20, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:47 AM on February 20, 2009

February 17, 2009

Links to places where the gospel meets culture

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Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes?

The economy still stinks, which means I've got another round of economy-related stories for you to take a look at this week. First up, if we're all pinching our pennies, what does that mean for Vegas? Between the Vegas story and this story from last week's intersections, you cannot help but wonder how this crisis might very well be the catalyst for some healthy pruning in the lives of Americans.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (2-18-09)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 1:11 PM on February 17, 2009

February 16, 2009

This last weekend was All-Star Weekend for the NBA. The best of the best in the world of professional basketball took part in skills challenges, a dunk contest, and a game that minored on defense while majoring on electrifying offense (though I must say the defense was a little more intense than in year's past). The festivities put writer Bob Greene in a reflective mood: Why are we giddy when Lebron James takes the court? Why are our eyes glued to the television set when Albert Pujols steps to the plate in the ninth inning (or even the first inning)? Why cheer for a kid named Sidney Crosby? Why did we all average spending close to $200 for a Super Bowl party a few weekends ago? Why do we watch these silly games? Greene asks.

Continue reading "Why We Watch Sports Heroes"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:24 AM on February 16, 2009 | Comments (2)

February 12, 2009

A look at Kelly Reichardt’s film, Wendy and Lucy

My husband and I recently saw the movie Wendy and Lucy at the Music Box Theater on the north side of Chicago. If you live in the Chicago area and you've never been to the Music Box, definitely go and experience it. It's simple, old-fashioned, and generally shows films of high caliber - films that won't likely ever get to the AMC.

Continue reading "Settling into Unsettled"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 2:09 PM on February 12, 2009 | Comments (2)

February 11, 2009

Links, links, and more links to places where Gospel and culture meet

Another trip through cyberspace, another set of links to material that has some real potential for illustrative purposes?

Facebook, the social networking site that's popular among toddlers and grandmas and everyone in between, turned five last week. But despite its millions of fans, here's one guy who kicked it to the curb.

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections (2-11-09)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:43 AM on February 11, 2009

February 9, 2009

Interacting with sci-fi's alternative views of redemption

What do sci-fi films, television shows, and novels have to do with the Gospel? Well, our friends at Christianity Today magazine tackle that very question in "Sci-Fi's Brave New World." Here's a slice:

Continue reading "God's Myth in a Star Trek World"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:05 AM on February 9, 2009

February 6, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Taken (PG-13)
2. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)
3. The Uninvited (PG-13)
4. Hotel for Dogs (PG)
5. Gran Torino (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (February 6, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:18 AM on February 6, 2009

February 5, 2009

Reading the Boss's cultural texts

In my opinion there are only a few "big artists" out there who can write songs that capture the essence of the times. The master is still Bob Dylan, but following right behind is Bruce Springsteen.

When I was growing up, I wasn't raised on a steady diet of Bruce like I was Bob. I discovered Springsteen's music later in life when I picked up a greatest hits package on a whim. At first I was drawn to the sheer exuberance of what he pulled off with the E Street Band. It's always the sound that hits you first. But then I explored the lyrics and discovered that no one tells the American story - no one captures the spirit of the times - quite like Bruce Springsteen. They call him the Boss, and he earned it straight up.

Continue reading "Know Bruce, Know the Times"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 5:00 PM on February 5, 2009 | Comments (13)

February 4, 2009

Links, links, and more links to places where Gospel and culture meet

After a trip through cyberspace, here are a few stories that might - might - have some real potential for illustrative purposes. As usual, my commentary will be minimal. If you have any ideas as to how to use some of these stories - or how not to use some of these stories - please share them in the comments section.. In the meantime, happy hunting?

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:00 AM on February 4, 2009 | Comments (3)

January 30, 2009

A look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about…

Top Five Movies
1. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)
2. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (R)
3. Gran Torino (R)
4. Hotel for Dogs (PG)
5. Slumdog Millionaire (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (January 30, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:35 AM on January 30, 2009

January 29, 2009

One more link for illustrative purposes

After listening to a report on the radio this morning, I'd like to add one more "intersection" to yesterday's column.

Continue reading "Extra Intersection"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:19 AM on January 29, 2009

January 21, 2009

Links, links, and more links to places where Gospel and culture meet

Today we're kicking off a new feature on the blog: Weekly Intersections. We've given you a heads up that the focus of the Preaching Today blog has shifted. We want to create a space for exploring the many places where Gospel and culture meet. Some entries will be fully-fleshed out (see the recent pieces on Tim Tebow and top-ten lists), while other entries will be an open-ended grab bag of possibilities for you to sort through and flesh out as you see fit (see our weekly pop culture roundups and the new feature I'm introducing right this very minute).

Continue reading "Weekly Intersections"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 3:40 PM on January 21, 2009

January 16, 2009

Editor's Note: Gordon MacDonald, regular contributor to Leadership journal and current interim president at Denver Seminary, just e-mailed us the following thoughts on the "Miracle on the Hudson River" - thoughts he shared just today with the faculty and students at Denver.

This morning I took a few minutes to watch video of the remarkable rescue effort in the Hudson River yesterday. For a long, long time, this will remain in the minds of people as a highpoint in the American experience. It appears to have brought out the best in just about everybody. And it provides a dramatic contrast to those who, in recent months, have ripped off people for billions of dollars and cared only for themselves.

These themes come to mind from the so-called "Miracle on the Hudson River."

Continue reading "Sermon Illustration Possibilities from Jet Landing in River (part two)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:43 AM on January 16, 2009

January 15, 2009

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Gran Torino (R)
2. Bride Wars (PG)
3. The Unborn (PG-13)
4. Marley & Me (PG)
5. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (January 16, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 2:58 PM on January 15, 2009

January 11, 2009

I'm still reflecting on the implications of one particular item from last Friday's pop culture roundup. I pointed out that on Friday morning, January 19, 2009, the top search item on Google was "John 3:16." (By day's end, it ended up being the sixth highest searched-for item of the day.) Why all the attention for one of the most beloved verses of the Bible? Because of the BCS Championship football game that took place Thursday night between the Florida Gators and the Oklahoma Sooners. Florida's quarterback, Tim Tebow, a Christian, came out to play the game with "John 3:16" written on his eye black. People saw it. People wondered what it meant. People Googled it. In my commentary for the roundup, I noted that, stretching beyond the typical issues of "does this sort of thing actually work/should we do this sort of thing," this event exposes a deeper concern about biblical literacy. In short, perhaps this shows that we've reached a new low. I want to talk a little more about that - and one other thought I'd like to hear from you about.

But first.

Continue reading "You, Me, Tim Tebow, and John 3:16"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:59 AM on January 11, 2009 | Comments (12)

January 8, 2009

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Marley & Me (PG)
2. Bedtime Stories (PG-13)
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG-13)
4. Valkyrie (PG-13)
5. Yes Man (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (January 9, 2009)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 3:54 PM on January 8, 2009 | Comments (2)

December 19, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about. But this week we're looking at the year that was - what people watched, read, listened to, and learned about the most in 2008.

Top Ten Movies of 2008 (according to IMDB.com)
1. The Dark Knight
2. Iron Man
3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
4. Hancock
5. WALL?E
6. Kung Fu Panda
7. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
8. Horton Hears a Who!
9. Sex and the City
10. Quantum of Solace

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: 2008 in Review"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 6:36 AM on December 19, 2008 | Comments (0)

December 12, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Four Christmases (PG-13)
2. Twilight (PG-13)
3. Bolt (PG)
4. Australia (PG-13)
5. Quantum of Solace (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (December 12, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:52 AM on December 12, 2008

December 10, 2008

After much internal conflict - there were 52 candidates! - here are my ten favorite free illustrations of 2008 (in no particular order). All our free illustrations can be found on PreachingToday.com. Looking ahead to 2009, if you want to receive a free illustration each week, sign up for our Preaching Connections Newsletter.

Continue reading "Favorite Free Illustrations of 2008"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:32 AM on December 10, 2008

December 5, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
4. Four Christmases (PG-13)
2. Bolt (PG)
3. Twilight (PG-13)
4. Quantum of Solace (PG-13)
5. Australia (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (December 5, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:07 AM on December 5, 2008 | Comments (2)

November 21, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Quantum of Solace (PG-13)
2. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)
3. Role Models (R)
4. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (G)
5. The Changeling (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (November 21, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:24 AM on November 21, 2008

November 14, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG)
2. Role Models (R)
3. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (G)
4. The Changeling (R)
5. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (November 14, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:26 AM on November 14, 2008

November 7, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (G)
2. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (R)
3. Saw V (R)
4. The Changeling (R)
5. The Haunting of Molly Hartley (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (November 7, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 6:26 AM on November 7, 2008 | Comments (1)

October 31, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (G)
2. Saw V (R)
3. Max Payne (PG-13)
4. Beverly Hills Chihuahua (PG)
5. Pride and Glory (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (October 31, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:48 AM on October 31, 2008

October 29, 2008

While talking last week with Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer about the importance of cultural exegesis, he sat up straight at one point, eyes bulging, and said, "Have you happened to notice our culture's obsession with vampires?"

Why yes - yes we have.

Continue reading "Preaching to the Vampire-Obsessed"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:00 AM on October 29, 2008 | Comments (16)

October 24, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Max Payne (PG-13)
2. Beverly Hills Chihuahua (PG)
3. The Secret Life of Bees (PG-13)
4. W. (PG-13)
5. Eagle Eye (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (October 24, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:27 AM on October 24, 2008

October 17, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Beverly Hills Chihuahua (PG)
2. Quarantine (R)
3. Body of Lies (R)
4. Eagle Eye (PG-13)
5. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (October 17, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:34 AM on October 17, 2008

October 13, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Beverly Hills Chihuahua (PG)
2. Eagle Eye (PG-13)
3. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (PG-13)
4. Nights in Rodanthe (PG-13)
5. Appaloosa (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (October 10, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:46 AM on October 13, 2008

October 3, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Eagle Eye (PG-13)
2. Nights in Rodanthe (PG-13)
3. Lakeview Terrace (PG-13)
4. Fireproof (PG)
5. Burn After Reading (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (October 3, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:30 AM on October 3, 2008

September 26, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Lakeview Terrace (PG-13)
2. Burn After Reading (R)
3. My Best Friend's Girl (R)
4. Igor (PG)
5. Righteous Kill (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (September 26, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:56 AM on September 26, 2008

September 25, 2008

Once more, let's continue our conversation about finding preaching opportunities in the current elevation of the antihero in the world of television?

If you ever catch my Dad in a particularly nostalgic mood, you can bet he'll talk about two childhood heroes that cleaned up the streets and kept the world safe: Superman and Roy Rogers. You might even get him to quote the stirring introduction of the former ("Faster than a speeding bullet?") and sing the sign-off of the latter ("Happy Trails, to you?"). After that you'll inevitably have to endure a running commentary on all the collectibles in his study. And when the hero worship comes to an end, he'll offer a sigh that says, "Those were the days."

Continue reading "A Preaching Opportunity Knocks in the Death of the Hero"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:40 AM on September 25, 2008

September 23, 2008

Let's continue our conversation about finding preaching opportunities in the current elevation of the antihero in the world of television?

Two friends are sitting on a couch, watching the latest episode of The Shield. Vic Mackey has just finished beating a little "intel" out of an Armenian mobster. One friend turns to the other friend and asks, "Did Vic really need to beat the guy to a bloody pulp to get the information? I mean, that was a little extreme, don't you think?" The other viewer replies, "Well, you might not like how he did it, but at least he did something!"

Continue reading "Preaching into a World of Dark Pragmatism"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 2:58 PM on September 23, 2008

September 19, 2008

One of the goals of Preaching Today - and one of the ever-increasing goals of this very blog - is to help the preacher engage in cultural exegesis. We agree with the likes of Tim Keller, Kevin Vanhoozer, and countless others: some pretty spectacular moments occur when the preacher allows some space for the biblical text at hand to interact appropriately with a cultural text (a movie, a television show, a song, or something that's become so normal that we've missed that fact that it's actually quite abnormal). such interaction should, at times, be contentious, while other times, playful or even supportive.

Continue reading "Preaching to an Audience that Celebrates Bad Guys as Good Guys"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:45 AM on September 19, 2008 | Comments (2)

September 18, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Burn After Reading (R)
2. Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys (PG-13)
3. Righteous Kill (R)
5. The Women (PG-13)
5. The House Bunny (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (September 19, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:00 AM on September 18, 2008

September 12, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Bangkok Dangerous (R)
2. Tropic Thunder (R)
3. The Dark Knight (PG-13)
4. The House Bunny (PG-13)
5. Traitor (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (September 12, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:00 AM on September 12, 2008

September 5, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Tropic Thunder (R)
2. Babylon A.D. (PG-13)
3. The Dark Knight (PG-13)
4. The House Bunny (PG-13)
5. Traitor (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (September 5, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:00 AM on September 5, 2008

August 29, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Tropic Thunder (R)
2. The House Bunny (PG-13)
5. Death Race (R)
4. The Dark Knight (PG-13)
5. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (PG)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (August 29, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:00 AM on August 29, 2008

August 22, 2008

Every Friday, the Preaching Today Blog takes a look at the week that was - what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about?

Top Five Movies
1. Tropic Thunder (R)
2. The Dark Knight (PG-13)
3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (PG)
4. Mirrors (R)
5. Pineapple Express (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (August 22, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:00 AM on August 22, 2008

August 20, 2008
pttalk-1-new.jpg

In the latest episode of PT Talk, the editors of PreachingToday.com discuss the importance of finding the intersection between gospel and culture. We admit the sound on this episode is a bit on the not-so-great side. We were trying something new, and the "something new" turned out to be "something we ought not do." But hang with us - given that our chat was so fun, we feel it's worth a listen despite a few popping "p's" and some volume control issues. We'll get it right next time!

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture (PT Talk, Episode 11)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:50 AM on August 20, 2008

August 20, 2008

At the start of every new school year, The Beloit College Mindset List is published, offering a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the next generation. As expected, the list finds that this fall's freshman class is unique in how they see the world, hear the world, speak in the world, and experience the world.

Ron Nief, the communications director for Beloit, says faculty members, military officers, and ministers eagerly await the list, hoping to find effective ways to communicate with younger generations.

Click here to read "The Mindset List of the Class of 2012."

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:45 AM on August 20, 2008

August 15, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies
1. The Dark Knight (PG-13)
4. Pineapple Express (R)
3. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (PG-13)
4. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (PG)
5. Step Brothers (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (August 15, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:00 AM on August 15, 2008

August 8, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies
1. The Dark Knight (PG-13)
2. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (PG-13)
3. Step Brothers (PG-13)
4. Mama Mia! (PG-13)
5. Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (August 8, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:37 AM on August 8, 2008

August 7, 2008

Earlier this week, I posted an entry about a few stories to keep your eye on during the Olympics. My post was a wider look at the socio-political-personal human interest stories. Over at the Christianity Today liveblog, Susan Wunderink has posted her own entry on the faith of a few athletes involved in the Games. Check it out when you get a chance. Though we hear a lot of sports figures give a shout out to God, they rarely have such an international stage to do so.

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:00 AM on August 7, 2008 | Comments (1)

August 6, 2008
pttalk-1-new.jpg

Every week, Preaching Today offers a batch of new sermon illustrations. It's a nice little mix of stories, quotes, statistics, humor, and scenes from movies or television shows. From time to time, the editors of Preaching Today want to take a moment to talk about how they might use a particular illustration in their own preaching.

Continue reading "Using a Story from Parker Palmer (PT Talk, Episode 9)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:00 AM on August 6, 2008

August 4, 2008

To be honest, you never really know what's around the corner at the Olympics. Remember the 400-meter dash semifinals in Barcelona, 1992? Derek Redmond was representing Britain. He had qualified for the '88 Olympics, but he had to pull out because of problems with his Achilles tendon. He had suffered through countless surgeries to make a comeback, and his time had finally come. It was a pretty remarkable story - so who knows how many people were heartbroken when he tore his right hamstring just 100 meters into the race.

Continue reading "2008 Olympics: Stories Just Waiting to Happen"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 5:00 PM on August 4, 2008

August 1, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies
1. The Dark Knight (PG-13)
2. Step Brothers (PG-13)
3. Mama Mia! (PG-13)
4. The X-Files: I Want to Believe (PG-13)
5. Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (August 1, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:08 AM on August 1, 2008

July 25, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies
1. The Dark Knight (PG-13)
5. Mama Mia! (PG-13)
3. Hancock (PG-13)
4. Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG)
5. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (July 25, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:54 AM on July 25, 2008

July 18, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies
1. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (PG-13)
2. Hancock (PG-13)
3. Journey to the Center of the Earth (PG)
4. Wall-E (G)
5. Wanted (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (July 18, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:13 AM on July 18, 2008

July 10, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies
1. Hancock (PG-13)
2. Wall-E (PG-13)
3. Wanted (R)
4. Get Smart (PG-13)
5. Kung Fu Panda (PG)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (July 11, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 3:26 PM on July 10, 2008

July 10, 2008

In part one in this series of blog entries, Leighton Ford shared how every sermon should have the gospel at its core and an invitational edge. This invitational edge means the gospel must be presented in a manner that is clear and fresh, visible, winsome and strong, and urgent and compelling. But what does that look like? In this entry, Ford begins to unpack his convictions with a look at how we can preach the gospel in clear and fresh ways.

The late Henri Nouwen in Preaching and Ministry wrote that practically no one comes to church expecting to hear something they did not already know. "The last thing they expect to come from a pulpit is any news."

Continue reading "The Invitational Edge (part two)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:15 AM on July 10, 2008

July 4, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies
1. Wall-E (PG-13)
2. Wanted (R)
3. Get Smart (PG-13)
4. Kung Fu Panda (PG)
5. The Incredible Hulk (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (July 4, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:36 AM on July 4, 2008 | Comments (2)

July 2, 2008

By now many of you have probably witnessed the media storm surrounding Gloucester High School. Seventeen girls who attend the Massachusetts school are pregnant - more than four times the number of pregnancies of the previous year. Teenage pregnancy is nothing new. Seeing lots of pregnant teenagers is nothing new. But the possibility of some sort of pact that found the girls wanting to all get pregnant at the same time? That's new. Gloucester principal Joseph Sullivan told Time magazine that after a little investigation, he had learned that the girls were getting pregnant on purpose - even reacting to the news of positive pregnancy test with "high fives and plans for baby showers."

My, how the times have changed.

But just before I put together an illustration about the whole mess for Preaching Today, I learned that there might be more to the story.

Continue reading "Gloucester Teens = Sermon Illustration?"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:26 AM on July 2, 2008 | Comments (2)

June 27, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies
1. Get Smart (PG-13)
2. The Incredible Hulk (PG-13)
3. Kung Fu Panda (PG)
4. The Love Guru (PG-13)
5. The Happening (R)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (June 27, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:14 AM on June 27, 2008

June 25, 2008

In The Writing Life, Annie Dillard compares a writer to an inchworm perched atop a long blade of grass:

Few sights are so absurd as that of an inchworm leading its dimwit life? I often see an inchworm: it is a skinny bright green thing, pale and thin as vein, an inch long, and apparently totally unfit for life in this world. It wears out its days in constant panic.

Continue reading "The Panicky Preacher and the Inchworm"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:00 AM on June 25, 2008

June 20, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. The Incredible Hulk (PG-13)
2. Kung Fu Panda (PG)
3. The Happening (R)
4. You Don't Mess with the Zohan (PG-13)
5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (June 20, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:01 AM on June 20, 2008

June 16, 2008

It's a little late - but better late than never, right? I was on vacation last week. Sorry about that. I won't let it happen again. Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about (or at least they were last week)...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)

1. Kung Fu Panda (PG)
2. You Don't Mess with the Zohan (PG-13)
3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
4. Sex and the City: The Movie (R)
5. The Strangers (Rated PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (June 13, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 4:03 PM on June 16, 2008

June 6, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Sex and the City: The Movie (R)
2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
3. The Strangers (Rated PG-13)
4. Iron Man (Rated PG-13)
5. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Rated PG)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (June 6, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:32 AM on June 6, 2008

June 4, 2008

As part of our ongoing theme of "Getting the Gospel Right," Preaching Today has posted the transcript of an interview with Haddon Robinson. In this episode of PT Talk, chief editor Brian Larson points out sections of the interview that have helped him the most in his preaching. Brian and I then take the opportunity to talk about some ways to use a story that's included in this week's fresh batch of illustrations. Click "Play" on the audio player to listen to PT Talk via audio stream. If you'd rather download the audio file so you can have it on the run, there is a link just below the player. The illustration that Brian Larson and I reference throughout can be found here. If you're not a member of PreachingToday.com, the illustration is not free. However, we go over it in the recording so you can follow along.




To download this episode of PT Talk, click here.

Posted by Brian Lowery at 1:38 PM on June 4, 2008

June 2, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Rated PG)
3. Iron Man (Rated PG-13)
4. What Happens in Vegas (Rated PG-13)
5. Speed Racer (Rated PG)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (May 30, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:34 AM on June 2, 2008

May 23, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Prince Caspian (Rated PG)
2. Iron Man (Rated PG-13)
3. What Happens in Vegas (Rated PG-13)
4. Speed Racer (Rated PG)
5. Made of Honor (Rated PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (May 23, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:35 AM on May 23, 2008

May 16, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Iron Man (Rated PG-13)
2. What Happens in Vegas (Rated PG-13)
3. Speed Racer (Rated PG)
4. Made of Honor (Rated PG-13)
5. Baby Mama (Rated PG-13)

Continue reading "Preaching and Pop Culture: Friday Pop Culture Roundup (May 16, 2008)"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:01 AM on May 16, 2008

May 7, 2008

Because of the horrifying tragedy in Myanmar (rescue officials think the death toll may climb as high as 100,000), many of us will probably want to lead our congregations through difficult issues like pain and suffering. We've gathered a few illustrations and tagged them as "Free" for the next 30 days to help you in your preaching. Most of these stories come from past tragedies - the tsunami that killed over 400,000 people, Hurricane Katrina, the attacks at Virginia Tech - and obviously speak to the heart of what we're watching unfold in Myanmar.

Continue reading "Illustrations on Pain and Suffering"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 4:01 PM on May 7, 2008

May 7, 2008

Every week, Preaching Today posts new illustrations - a mixture of stories, statistics, quotes, humor, and scenes from popular movies or TV shows. As a regular part of our PT Talk sessions, Brian Larson and I would like to take a moment to talk about how we might use some of our illustrations in a sermon. We decided to try this out on a classic: Master Violinist Goes Unrecognized. We felt it was the best illustration of 2007.

To hear us talk about specific and more abstract ways to use this illustration, click "Play" on the audio player below to listen to PT Talk via audio stream. If you'd rather download the audio file so you can have it on the run, there is a link just below the player.




To download this episode of PT Talk, click here.

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:47 AM on May 7, 2008

May 5, 2008

In late 2005, the long-anticipated movie version of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe was released. It went on to earn $745 million at the box office worldwide (and over $1 billion in DVD sales). On May 16, its sequel - Prince Caspian - arrives in theatres. The world is abuzz. It's safe to assume it will be a hit. It's also safe to assume it will open the door to conversations over its Christological content. You might be planning to weave themes from Prince Caspian into your preaching. Here are a few links to helpful resources from our sister sites:

Continue reading ""Prince Caspian" Storms the Pulpit"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:55 AM on May 5, 2008

April 25, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Rated R)
2. The Forbidden Kingdom (Rated PG-13)
3. 88 Minutes (Rated R)
4. 21 (Rated PG-13)
5. Prom Night (Rated PG-13)

Continue reading "Friday Pop Culture Roundup"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 3:40 PM on April 25, 2008

April 24, 2008

We thought that in light of the current news about the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you might need some materials to work with in your church. Below are some book reviews and related stories that may help you find a way forward in addressing particular issues concerning Mormonism from the pulpit or in related pastoral settings. Please exercise caution, however, in relating all Mormon practice to the more fundamentalist branch that is being highlighted in Texas. Most of these resources speak to the Mormon faith in general with a few hints of insight into the FLDS.

Continue reading "Resources for Preaching on Mormonism"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:29 AM on April 24, 2008 | Comments (2)

April 23, 2008

PreachingToday.com recently ran an illustration that was the unfortunate victim of embellishment. We've posted the corrected version for your records. These retractions don't happen often for us, but when they do, they often happen because of the very issue just mentioned: embellishment. For this episode of PT Talk, we discuss what happened, why it happened, and how to make sure it doesn't happen.

Click "Play" on the audio player below, and you can listen to PT Talk via an audio stream. If you'd rather download the audio file so you can have it on the run, there is a link just below the player.




To download this episode of PT Talk, click here.

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:57 AM on April 23, 2008

April 17, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Street Kings (Rated R)
2. 21 (Rated PG-13)
3. Prom Night (Rated PG-13)
4. Nim's Island (Rated PG)
5. Leatherheads (Rated PG-13)

Continue reading "Friday Pop Culture Roundup"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 4:15 PM on April 17, 2008

April 11, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. 21 (Rated PG-13)
2. Leatherheads (Rated PG-13)
3. Nim's Island (Rated PG)
4. Horton Hears a Who (Rated G)
5. The Ruins (Rated R)

Continue reading "Friday Pop Culture Roundup"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:16 AM on April 11, 2008

April 7, 2008

A section from Gary Thomas's The Beautiful Fight struck a deep chord with me this morning:

Continue reading "With a Finger on My Shoulder"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 1:57 PM on April 7, 2008

April 4, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. 21 (Rated PG-13)
2. Horton Hears a Who (Rated G)
3. Superhero Movie (Rated PG-13)
4. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns (Rated PG-13)
5. Drillbit Taylor (Rated PG-13)

Continue reading "Friday Pop Culture Roundup"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:02 AM on April 4, 2008

March 28, 2008

Here's what people are watching, reading, listening to, and learning about...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. Horton Hears a Who (Rated G)
2. Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns (Rated PG-13)
3. Shutter (Rated PG-13)
4. Drillbit Taylor (Rated PG-13)
5. 10,000 B.C. (Rated R)

Continue reading "Friday Pop Culture Roundup"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 3:00 AM on March 28, 2008 | Comments (2)

March 14, 2008

Every Friday, the PreachingToday blog is going to offer a pop culture roundup so you can see some of the things that are catching the eyes, ears, and hearts of your listeners...

Top Five Movies (according to box office returns)
1. 10,000 B.C. (Rated R)
2. College Road Trip (Rated G)
3. The Bank Job (Rated R)
4. Vantage Point (Rated PG-13)
5. Semi-Pro (Rated R)

Continue reading "Friday Pop Culture Roundup"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 3:29 PM on March 14, 2008 | Comments (2)

March 12, 2008

Because we're well aware you're knee-deep in preparing sermons and meaningful worship gatherings for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday, we've combed through all the materials in our database and put together a special Hot Topic on Easter. Click here and you'll find plenty of illustrations, images, and videos that deal with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Posted by Brian Lowery at 4:33 PM on March 12, 2008

February 4, 2008

The folks at ChristianityTodayMovies.com have posted a list of the Top Ten Most Redeeming Films of 2007. I think you'll find that it's a pretty eclectic bunch, and there may very well be some fascinating illustrations for you to use as a preacher (with caution, of course).

Posted by Brian Lowery at 8:23 AM on February 4, 2008

January 28, 2008

Our sister site, FaithVisuals, has posted a list of what it feels represents the top media of 2007. You'll surely find some helpful videos, worship loops, and video curriculum to enhance your preaching and teaching.

Posted by Brian Lowery at 10:25 AM on January 28, 2008

December 17, 2007

I recently heard the most powerful sermon I've heard in a long time. In just a few minutes, the speaker filled an overly familiar phrase - Merry Christmas - with profound meaning and left me awestruck by the Word of God.

Continue reading "Giving Weight to Merry Christmas"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:27 AM on December 17, 2007

December 12, 2007

My refuge from the musical monotony of the Christmas season has been Sufjan Stevens' five-disc set, Songs for Christmas. I wanted to buy it when it came out last year because I think Sufjan is one of the more exciting artists out there these days. But a certain lack of cash snowed on my parade. This year I finally got my hands on it, and I'm not sure what else to say except that which is clich?: I can't stop listening to it.

Continue reading "Through a Phone, Breathlessly"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 1:38 PM on December 12, 2007 | Comments (1)

December 3, 2007

Some of the richest theology concerning Advent is found in the songs we'll sing together in the weeks ahead. Theologians, professors, and preachers have much to offer, but both head and heart are often most moved by the work of musicians. It's maddening, isn't it? You slave over a sermon for hours on end, but it is only when the little girl with blonde curls stands up to sing "Away in a Manger" that the crowd swoons over the startling majesty of the Incarnation.

Continue reading "Christmastime Is Here"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 11:31 AM on December 3, 2007

October 26, 2007

The Associated Press has just released the results of a pre-Halloween poll that asked people about their supernatural/spiritual/superstitious beliefs. You can find the results here.

Posted by Brian Lowery at 9:00 AM on October 26, 2007

September 10, 2007

Clark Cothern, a regular contributor to our weekly batch of illustrations, shared this short, but intriguing story. Take a moment to read it, and I'd like to offer just a few words on the other side:

Would you consider yourself successful if you had written a novel a year for 52 straight years? Would you feel successful if you had written shelves of books on mythology, biography, folklore, theology, and travel? One man did all of the above - and in only one lifetime. I kid you not! This one man wrote 85 books in his 89 years on Earth. And get this: the same man even once rescued a young girl from drowning!

But I doubt seriously that you know his name.

Continue reading "Funny Like That"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 7:55 AM on September 10, 2007

July 23, 2007

As Pottermania rages at a fevered pitch (with the release of both a new movie and the final book in J.K. Rowling's series), perhaps you are wrestling with what to do as a preacher – if anything at all! The choice is yours, of course, but we thought we would offer a few helpful resources to help you navigate the world of Harry Potter and how it intersects with our own:

Continue reading "Potter and the Preacher"...

Posted by Brian Lowery at 1:09 PM on July 23, 2007 | Comments (1)


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