Is introducing pop culture into religious teaching a good idea?

Question

The Church of England wants to make religious beliefs relevant to youth by using episodes and examples from the American television show "The Simpsons".

They believe it will teach good lessons in resisting temptation and it even likens Barts impatience to meet his idol Krusty the Klown with christians waiting for the second coming of Christ.

They have a church backed book that is given to youth workers and suggests watching and discussing the episodes.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

Not only do I think introducing pop culture into the teachings of Jesus a good thing; I think it's necessary. Jesus himself used agriculture, fishing, money, and the marketplace in his parables. Paul referred to Greek poetry and theater to make his points, and used an Athenian inscription, "To an Unknown God", to introduce the Athenians to the God of Israel and his Messiah.

If you're selling or giving away water to thirsty people, would you allow them to bring their own cups, or would you try to sell them your cups along with the water? (Today's plastic-bottled spring water excepted, of course!) Too often people have tried to sell their own culture along with Christianity, unable to tell the difference.

We Christians are in the world, but not of it. Jesus never prayed that we be removed from the world, but that we'd be kept safe from the Evil One. I believe God speaks to us in many ways, even through television shows. All truth is God's truth. If certain people can see Jesus in a Simpsons episode, let them.

BTW, The Simpsons has been very good in wrestling with spiritual and religious issues.

Answer 2

No, do you want a number 1 hit that talks about hinduism to influence a family member to go convert to hinduism? Their is nothing wrong with hinduism, it is my point. That if you turn pop culture into a tool of faith, Then you run the risk of other faiths using the same tool. The pagan community could possibiley land a could of good songs and have a rush to convert to druidism. So that is a big no. And that goes for christianity as well. The idea of the simpons promoting the JW, is a scary idea.

Answer 3

There is an increasing trend, which I think is not good, to turn religious observance into entertainment. Religion can be made relevant to youth using real life examples and discussion. It's difficult to understand why people think it is necessary to resort to "pop culture" to engage people, regardless of their age.

Answer 4

Not the Simpson's. They are just Silly. South Park would be a much better example for Christians.
Kisses Betty B.

Answer 5

Here are some principles:

Ephesians 4:29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

1 Thessalonians 5:15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

1 Thessalonians 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1 Peter 3:13  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

3 John 1:11  Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

GOD bless

Answer 6

The church has to try another gimmick to people coming all the other ones are failing proven that people are leaving the church in record numbers.

Answer 7

Lmao. What's next? The Protestant churches getting ideas from Family Guy? lol.

Answer 8

No! Bad Idea. We should not transform ourselves to look like the world.

Answer 9

Yo holmes, I think the J-man would chizzizled wif dat if youz catch my drift. We can all par-tay at his hizouse in da kingdom of the big G-man.

Answer 10

I believe we should try to avoid contaminating pop culture with religion.