Culture: Side Notes and Main Point.

Let me make a side note along this journey in my blog. I have made a (career) change, while also pastoring a local church. I have joined the team of MovieGuide. While this is a side note from my usual entries, I hope that you will understand the main point that I’m trying to communicate.

Movieguide is a non-profit (501c3) ministry that serves to:

• Redeem culture and the media
• Support uplifting content and movies
• Protect your family with movie reviews and articles from a Christian perspective 

 

 

 

 

The following is an article based on a critique and review of the book, the culture – Wise family, which is written by Ted Baehr and Pat Boone. Janet Parshall is giving introduction within the book. It is a publication of Baker books out of Grand Rapids and it is copyrighted in 2007. It has been published With several additions provided through regal books and others as well as Baker books edition published in 2017.

In a recent change of focus for me, I have joined the ministry of movieguide.com. My role is regional and it is in a support role to advance the cause that is making Christians more media savvy. As well as bringing resources and support to further the efforts of influence within Hollywood. A companion book that is also available Includes: “How to Succeed in Hollywood Without Losing Your Soul.” This book gives a text book addition to how we can make a difference for those that are Christians as screenwriter, actors, producers, directors, and more. 

Building a Culture-Wise Family: Insights from Ted Baehr and Pat Boone’s Book

In an era where media saturates every facet of our lives, the essence of nurturing a culture-wise family becomes paramount. Ted Baehr and Pat Boone, through their book The Culture-Wise Family, delves into pressing concerns around media influence, family values, and the moral fabric of society. Their discussions shed light on how biblical principles can guide families in creating a resilient cultural identity amid today's challenges.

The Introduction: A Call to Awareness

Janet Parshall, a noted writer and radio personality, opens the book by emphasizing the biblical patterns of civilization. As she notes, prosperity often follows when we adhere to God’s commandments, particularly the core tenet of loving our neighbors as ourselves. This fundamental idea frames the subsequent discussions in the book: a reminder that adhering to divine principles leads to fulfillment and ultimately, a thriving society. Parshall’s introduction sets the tone for critical reflection on how personal and national prosperity hinges on moral behavior and societal engagement.

The Decline of Nations: Symptoms to Heed

In the book, Baehr references Dr. Ken Boa and Bill Ibsen’s identification of three primary symptoms highlighting a nation's decline: social decay, cultural decay, and moral decay. 

1. Social Decay: This appears as lawlessness and a lack of economic responsibility, leading to societal instability.

   

2. Cultural Decay: A decline in educational pursuits and cultural foundations erodes societal values.

3. Moral Decay: This manifests in the degradation of religious beliefs, diminishing the value placed on human life.

Baehr also stresses the significance of personal responsibility in cultivating a vibrant societal landscape. Echoing Dr. Bennett’s reminder from 1993, we must not neglect our obligations to uphold God’s commands, lest we forget their implications for ourselves and our communities.

Family-Friendly Media: A Necessary Pursuit

Baehr emphasizes the importance of creating family-friendly content in media and film production. He aligns this with Roosevelt’s observation that educating a man’s mind without nurturing his heart results in an “educated barbarian.” To combat the cultural decay, engaging with media thoughtfully is crucial, as “whoever controls the media controls the culture,” making it essential for families to discern the influences shaping their children's worldviews.

C.S. Lewis’s cautionary words remind us of the dual perils in our perception of evil. We risk either underestimating its power or giving it undue significance, both of which can distort our understanding and influence our actions. Biblical preaching, grounded in Scripture, is critical, allowing the Word to speak for itself and guiding a family’s framework.

The Call for Engagement: Christians as Cultural Influencers

Baehr charges Christians with being “salt and light” in today’s world. Alarmingly, he reports that the percentage of children hearing the gospel has plummeted from 70% to merely 4% over the past half-century. This statistic demands action, as it indicates a significant shift in both cultural engagement and spiritual outreach. 

He presents five societal positions that Christians can adopt, ranging from “Christ against culture” to “Christ the transformer of culture,” advocating for active participation in shaping the cultural landscape. Through a deep understanding of scripture, families can thrive by making informed choices regarding their engagement with media and society at large.

Cultural Influences: The Weight of Modern Media

The book underscores the considerable influence of media on younger generations. By the time a child reaches 17, they will have encountered an astounding 63,000 hours of media influence—far exceeding time spent in school, with parents, or at church. Baehr points out that this dominance of media comes at a price, leading to a significant decline in biblical knowledge among youth. The stark statistics indicate promising yet troubling trends in children's understanding of morality and spirituality. Influence of the church Falls substantially from media to only 800 hours which is 99% less than media. Parents don’t fare much better with only 2000 hours of influence which is still 96% less than media.

Moreover, he highlights the vulnerability of young individuals to the stimuli presented in media. The desensitization to violence and negative behaviors in films and programs can cultivate a mindset that normalizes such actions. As reflected in the cultural shift since 1966, with rising violent crime rates, illegitimate births, and other concerning social metrics, the detrimental effects of neglecting media's moral implications become glaringly evident.

Training Up a Child: The Importance of Stewardship

Baehr emphasizes the pivotal role of parents in shaping their children’s worldviews. Drawing from various films, he showcases the importance of informed choices regarding the content that infiltrates the family home. The overarching keyword becomes “susceptibility”—a recognition that children, particularly in their formative years, are heavily influenced by what they observe.

Persistent and proactive involvement in children’s media consumption helps mitigate the risks associated with cultural decay. Parents are called to remain vigilant stewards of their children's imaginations and moral compasses.

The Power of Parables: Storytelling and Morality

In one of the book’s enriching chapters, Baehr discusses the significance of parables, recognizing their power to convey profound truths and inspire change. Mimicking the approach of Jesus, he urges families to harness the art of storytelling to engage in meaningful discourse about values and beliefs.

Through engaging narratives, families can navigate and confront challenging topics, fostering deeper discussions around morality and scripture. However, caution is advised in selecting appropriate stories, as the line between entertainment and harmful influences can be deceptively thin.

Cultural Values: A Call to Action

Part four of The Culture-Wise Family delves into how modern ideologies challenge traditional family values and beliefs. Baehr critiques the prevailing narratives that seek to distort biblical truths, calling on families to establish a resonant worldview rooted in scripture. He raises awareness about emerging trends—critical theory, educational biases, and modern media's role—signaling the urgent need for families to reclaim their influence.

Pat Buchanan’s insights on the need for a God-fearing nation serve as a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of contemporary culture. By drawing comparisons to historical events, Baehr emphasizes that self-destructive tendencies manifest when spiritual and moral truths are compromised.

The Importance of Spiritual Discipleship

Baehr concludes his exploration with a final charge encouraging readers to embrace transformation. Acknowledging the power of biblical faith, he reiterates that God sends believers into the world to proclaim the message of salvation and discipleship. Through a commitment to living out their faith, families can provide a counter-narrative to the disheartening trends observed in society.

He quotes from various biblical passages—Matthew 28:18, Acts 1:8, Romans 8:37, and 2 Corinthians 2:14—to affirm the call for believers to spread hope in a challenging world. Along the journey of nurturing culture-wise families, Baehr points towards the promise of redemption and renewal through Christ.

Conclusion: Cultivating Hope Amidst Challenges

The Culture-Wise Family by Ted Baehr and Pat Boone serves as a vital resource for families eager to fortify their values amidst pervasive cultural influences. Through its careful analysis, the book identifies pressing concerns while offering a roadmap for families to cultivate resilience and discernment. This is a must-read for everyone and especially for the well-fare of our children. 

By engaging deeply with biblical truths, fostering meaningful connections, and purposefully navigating media, families can build a brighter future. Upholding Christian values within the family unit is not only a noble pursuit but a necessary endeavor in fostering a morally sound, culturally rich society.

In the words of the authors, it's for the children’s sake that families must engage in this vital work; the responsibility lies with each one of us to ensure that future generations experience the richness of a culture-infused with love, joy, and divine purpose. The message is clear: it’s time to ensure that the next generation is equipped and inspired to dream boldly, live righteously, and shape the culture they inherit.

There are terrible implications that are involved which is exemplified by the media post of Traci Coston who points out in her media post how culture will cancel the faith values of individuals. We should work to transform culture by taking a stand for the gospel.

For more information, let’s chat. 

Why Jesus Matters? - The Why Matters Series

As we delve deeper into our "Why Matters" series, it’s essential to contemplate one foundational question: Why does Jesus matter? This inquiry may seem trivial, especially for those of us who identify as followers of Christ. After all, He is the cornerstone of our faith, the defining figure of Christianity. Yet, I find it necessary to distinguish between mere fandom and true discipleship. In a world overflowing with opinions and interpretations, it is crucial to examine the heart of this question: Are we merely fans of Jesus, or are we committed followers willing to take up our cross?

Understanding the Distinction: Followers vs. Fans

Being a fan of Jesus often means celebrating His teachings, enjoying the compelling stories about Him, and attending services occasionally. However, true discipleship requires a deeper commitment and a transformative relationship with Him. It’s a call to go beyond surface-level admiration to a life that demonstrates His values and principles consistently.

The Popularization of Jesus

In recent years, we've witnessed an upsurge in interest surrounding Jesus largely due to popular media, notably the series "The Chosen." This series has captivated millions, rekindling interest in the life and teachings of Jesus, showing both His human struggles and divine nature. These portrayals present Jesus in various ways—some highlight His compassion as a loving savior, while others emphasize His authority and calls for justice.

While it’s wonderful to see Jesus depicted in diverse narratives, we must ask ourselves: Do these portrayals lead us to know Him more profoundly, or do they risk reducing Him to a mere character in a story? Be it through film, literature, or art, each representation invites us to explore and understand Jesus’ character—compassionate healer, mighty counselor, and ruling king.

Famous Portrayals of Jesus

Many actors have taken on the challenging role of portraying Jesus, each bringing their interpretation to this iconic figure. Jim Caviezel’s performance in "The Passion of the Christ" remains one of the most memorable. Other notable depictions include Robert Powell in the 1977 mini-series "Jesus of Nazareth" and Diogo Morgado in "The Bible" and "Son of God." These actors faced immense pressure to convey not only the physical presence of Jesus but also the depth of His teachings and humanity.

Despite these efforts, the key question remains—do these portrayals help us to know Jesus better or simply entertain us?

Knowing Jesus: More Than Just a Name

When we consider who Jesus is, it's essential to understand the various titles and attributes associated with Him. From "Son of Man" to "Messiah" and "Lamb of God," believers have used these descriptors throughout history. Yet knowing His names does not equate to knowing Him personally or living out the implications of His life and teachings.

Isaiah describes Jesus as "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Prince of Peace," and "Emmanuel." Similarly, in the New Testament, He's referred to as "The Word," "Living Stone," "Good Shepherd," and "Light of the World." These descriptions show us the multifaceted nature of Christ, shedding light on His divine attributes and earthly compassion.

The Duality of Jesus' Nature

Reflect upon the dichotomy in Jesus’ character: the tender healer who comforts the broken-hearted juxtaposed with the fierce advocate who confronts injustice. Many are drawn to the former, relishing His warm embrace while preferring to overlook the latter, which challenges us to grow in righteousness and justice. The challenge is to embrace the totality of who Jesus is—Savior and Lord. We are to grow like vegetables in a garden. Each day the fruit produces verifies the reality of the seed planted! 

Discipleship in Light of Matthew 16:13-20

The reality of knowing Jesus was brought directly to the forefront when He asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" in Matthew 16:13-20. This pivotal moment came during a conversation where Jesus was addressing not just their understanding of His identity but their commitment to Him.

When Peter offered his proclamation of faith, declaring Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God," it wasn’t just a statement of fact; it was a revelation from God. Jesus affirmed Peter's answer and declared, "On this rock, I will build my church," hinting at the foundation of faith that would follow. This moment signifies both the importance of divine revelation and the necessity of personal revelation in our walk with Christ.

The Response to Jesus

In wrestling with Jesus’ question, we confront an essential reality—do our responses align with our actions? Can we genuinely claim to follow Him while neglecting to embody His teachings in our lives? Understanding Jesus primarily as Savior is important, but it's equally vital to recognize and submit to Him as Lord.

Jesus as Savior: Assurance of Salvation

Acts 2:21 provides a clear declaration: "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." This promise encapsulates one of the most comforting aspects of our faith—the assurance of salvation. In a world filled with uncertainty, the knowledge that Jesus offers forgiveness and eternal life brings hope.

However, the question remains—what does it truly mean to confess Jesus and to receive Him? Popular Christianity often presents a simplistic version of faith, suggesting that a single acknowledgment of belief is sufficient. This viewpoint can result in the challenging reality of many individuals who come to Jesus seeking comfort without the commitment of discipleship.

The Danger of a Simplified Gospel

While we must not undermine the glorious grace of Jesus as our Savior, we should not reduce Him to just a lifeline when in trouble. He is not merely a cosmic genie but a Lord deserving of our full devotion. The call to follow Christ beckons us deeper, urging us to live lives that reflect His character daily.

Jesus as Lord: The Call to Surrender

Understanding Jesus as our Lord requires a shift in how we approach Him. Philippians 2:10-11 reminds us that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This recognition must transcend mere acknowledgment and translate into tangible obedience and surrender in our hearts.

The Throne of Our Hearts

Consider your heart as a throne—who occupies that space? If Jesus is not Lord of all, we must ask ourselves if He is Lord at all. The transition from being a fan to a true follower involves an act of surrender, allowing Christ to reign supreme in every aspect of our lives. This does not mean we need to abandon our responsibilities or retreat from the world, but instead, it compels us to engage with the world through the lens of His teachings.

The Challenges of True Discipleship

Jesus warns that following Him may involve struggles and sacrifices. The call to discipleship is radical. It challenges our worldly perceptions, extending beyond just attending church or engaging in religious activities. True following of Jesus means allowing Him to shape our decisions, actions, and morals.

To surrender ourselves completely is countercultural; it demands that we prioritize His desires over our own, support the marginalized, and advocate for justice.

Living with Intention

As we navigate our lives, we must ask ourselves meaningful questions:

- How can I embody the values of Jesus in my everyday interactions?

- What does it mean to allow Jesus's teachings to guide my decisions?

- Am I willing to step beyond the comfort of Fandom into the depths of discipleship?

Discipleship is not just a personal journey; it shapes how we interact with others and affects the broader community. It is a commitment to serve, love, and care for those around us.

Conclusion: The Invitation to Go Deeper

Throughout this exploration of why Jesus matters, we arrive at a significant conclusion: He invites us into a profound relationship with Him—not just as Savior but as Lord of our lives. This relationship brings both assurance and responsibility.

In closing, let us reflect on our personal relationship with Jesus. Are we merely fans enjoying the spectacle of faith, or are we willing to embrace the journey of discipleship? 

Final Prayer

Heavenly Father, we humbly approach You in recognition of our need for You. We thank You for the gift of Your son, Who died and rose again for our salvation. We confess our dependence on Your grace and our desire to place You firmly on the throne of our hearts. Help us surrender all and make You Lord of our lives. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray, Amen.

---

By reflecting on these considerations, we not only understand the significance of Jesus in our own lives but also become empowered to share this truth with others. As we navigate the complexities of faith, let us strive to be more than fans—let us commit to being true followers of Christ, ready to share His love, grace, and truth with the world.