Books on Contemporary Culture

Carpe Mañana: Is Your Church Ready to Seize Tomorrow? by Leonard Sweet (Zondervan). Sweet’s newest offers 10 “naturalization lessons” for those of us for whom this new hot-wired postmodern world is not the culture of our birth. Classic Sweet, chock-full of stories, examples, statistics, new definitions (even new words), trends and tons of things to do, consider or discuss. Fun, provocative and, even if you only use a portion of it, it is well worth the ride! For a real treat (and perhaps the best way to appreciate his material) check out the SoulTsunami audio tapes. Woo-hoo.

The End of the World as We Know It by Chuck Smith (Waterbrook). Nobody has explained postmodernism as simply as this! Very basic and altogether helpful. For a deeper study, ask us, as there are several important titles we recommend, but for starters, this intro to the cultural shifts away from the “modern” is really good. At last.

No More Front Porches: Rebuilding Community In Our Isolated Worlds by Linda Wilcox (Beacon Hill). A Christian sociologist has given us an insightful invitation to rebuild neighborhoods by reconnecting with one another. A clear critique of the trends towards individualism and fragmentation. Offers clear hope for building “front porches” in today’s world. Social commentary doesn’t get any clearer than this.

Eyes Wide Open: Finding God in Popular Culture by William D. Romanowski (Brazos Press). The author—a native of Pennsylvania who came to faith through a local Presbyterian outreach (and who served for 12 years on CCO staff)—has given us the very best biblical argument for engaging popular culture. Truly fascinating, insightful and exciting (yep, it is actually fun), this is theologically clear and solid as can be. Fabulous!

Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films With Wisdom & Discernment by Brian Godawa (IVP). An exceptional and brand new study of how movies have shaped our views of life. Written by a Hollywood screenwriter, this is no ivory tower treatise. It is, however, very thoughtful, philosophically learned and worthy of serious consideration. (His Web site and movie suggestions are fabulous resources, too.)

A Time for Truth: Living Free in a World of Lies, Hype & Spin by Os Guinness (Baker). An elegant and eloquent essay on the profound nature of truth and the need for a reconsideration of the notion of truth in a culture which has rejected the idea. For many, this will be a rich resource for serious reflection and repeated readings. Guinness is surely one of the finest public intellectuals and a theologically astute observer of the contemporary cultural crisis.

Confident Witness—Changing World: Rediscovering the Gospel in North America edited by Craig Van Gelder (Eerdmans). A serious examination of the radical shift that has reshaped American life and what it means for congregations and their mission...insightful critique and profound reflections on the new challenges. A semi-scholarly, foundational discussion of how our churches can have a greater witness with biblical fidelity. An important volume in the ongoing Christ and Our Culture Series.

Consuming Passion: Christianity and Consumer Culture edited by Rodney Clapp (IVP). A collection of serious essays (a few of which are nearly brilliant). Looks at various ways the ethos of consumption has effected our lives and even our understanding of the gospel itself! Much, much more than a warning against the lure of materialism, this is a study of the whole ethos of consumerism.

Dining With The Devil by Os Guinness (Baker). One need not agree with Dr. Guinness’ criticism of “seeker-sensitive mega-churches” to appreciation this keen, clear critique of how the values of the modern world — technology, choice, change, marketing, growth, image — have presented unprecedented challenges to the communication of the gospel. His urgent warning that we not adopt these values unwittingly is truly worthy of our utmost consideration.

Is It a Lost Cause? Having the Heart of God for the Church’s Children by Marva Dawn (Eerdmans). Although the subtitle indicates that this may be mostly about children or for Christian educators, this is a radical and clear-headed critique of our cultural values and family habits — materialism, TV violence, etc. — and a reminder that the gospel calls us to be a counter-cultural community, different from the world, but for the world. What a wake up call! Truly one of the most important theological voices writing today, this is one of her most challenging and important.

A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures: Making Friends in a Multi-Cultural World by Patty Lane (IVP). There are plenty of powerful books on cultural diversity, various ethnicities and the biblical call for racial justice and reconciliation. This book spells out as well as any the details of actually learning to be comfortable in our diverse and multi-cultural world. Very important amidst our “global village.”

Uncommon Decency by Richard Mouw (IVP). As Christians press the claims of Christ across the entire spectrum of society, we must be humble, fair and civil. This astute evangelical Calvinist has learned much about principled proclamation as well as graciousness in the public square. Delightful, challenging and more urgent than ever!

August 2002