Entertainment Theology: New-Edge Spirituality in a Digital Democracy (Cultural Exegesis) [Paperback]

Barry Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2008 | Series: Cultural Exegesis

It's the end of the church as we know it. In a digitally connected world, people are seeking spiritual answers through pop culture. Instead of retreating, Christians must "rethink the sacred" and enter global conversations about God--in film, literature, TV, and music--or face extinction, argues Barry Taylor in Entertainment Theology. Taking snapshots from theology, cultural studies, sociology, and pop culture, Taylor explores a myriad of factors affecting religious life since the 1970s, including technology, fashion, celebrity, and global communications. He exhorts a move away from traditional Christian religion, proposing instead a manifestation of Christianity as a religion not of the past but of the present and the future. For scholars, seminary students, culture watchers, and emerging-church readers, Entertainment Theology offers thought-provoking hope for Christianity's future.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Exploring the connections between post-secular culture and emerging forms of belief, Taylor (artist-in-residence at Fuller Theological Seminary and associate rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills) argues that  'spirituality' is the new religion of our times. This wide-ranging book uses examples from pop culture, particularly movies, and ideas from a variety of postmodern observers to argue that a democratization of spirit is leading to new forms of faith and a re-enchantment of Western culture. Taylor then turns from observer to evangelist as he calls for an end to the present form of Christianity in favor of Christian spiritualities. While Taylor brings considerable enthusiasm and extensive reading to bear on his topic, many of the book's vague generalities are unsupported by evidence, and he fails to define who is actually affected by the cultural sea change he insists is occurring. His intended audience isn't clear, and weak writing and tone shifts also mar this ambitious book. In tracing nascent trends and arguing for traditional Christianity's demise, Taylor ignores the vigorous ongoing practice of Christian religion around the globe, including the call to social justice in a suffering world. (Mar.)
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From the Back Cover

"God has become one of Timemagazine's favorite cover boys and spirituality has become a fashion accessory," writes Barry Taylor. Entertainment Theology exhorts Christians to embrace new vehicles to communicate gospel truth--or face extinction.

"In the hands of a musician, poet, and artist, theology is not delivered prepackaged and labeled but is, rather, God-talk that is creative and evocative. Barry Taylor leads us out of our studies and our pews to do our theology in the street, in response to the media bombardment and the many voices and images around us. Great entertainment stimulates our imagination and invites our participation, and Taylor does both. Entertainment Theology is not the last word, but a work in progress."--Eddie Gibbs, Fuller Theological Seminary

"Barry Taylor has a remarkable ability to bring together perspectives on contemporary culture that other commentators often miss. His wide-ranging understanding of both culture and practical theology come together in a conversation that is accessible as well as provocative. No serious scholar can afford to ignore Taylor's insights on the interaction of culture and spirituality."--John Drane, author, The McDonaldization of the Church

"A powerful and provocative summons to renewed attentiveness to the strange new world rising up around us. Against the tendency to defensively dismiss emerging spiritualities as either uselessly nebulous or somehow demeaning to religious tradition, Taylor articulates the more excellent way of critical affirmation, celebrating what he sees as a democratization of spirit and a shift toward a more globally minded, yet communal, conversation about the meaning of God. Entertainment Theology is the place where Donnie Darko, Buddhism, the Lorax, Tom Waits, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights interface. It announces the end of the tired, old world where these conversations were thought to be beyond the pale and challenges us to see the postmodern world (on the way and already here) as an ever-emerging opportunity for redemptive and redeeming reassessment. Intensely recommended."--David Dark, author, Everyday Apocalypse

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic (March 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801032377
• ISBN-13: 978-0801032370
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,171 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining but serious theology, August 13, 2008

By 

Alex Tang "the reader" (Malaysia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Entertainment Theology: New-Edge Spirituality in a Digital Democracy (Cultural Exegesis) (Paperback)

Barry Taylor is artist in residence for the Brehm center and an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary where he taught classes on music, film and contemporary theology. He is also an associate rector at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills.

The engagement of Christianity and culture has always been a thorny issue and in the past many would have been burnt on the stake for their heretic views. However, with post-Christendom, post-modernism and the rise of Web 2.0, the context of theology and Christianity has radically changed.

However, Christianity has not been willing to change but cling to its old structure and organisation. Taylor argues for a 'democratized spirituality' in that Christianity must decentralise and become a people's religion. He is arguing for a change in the form but not the content of the faith. The form will ride along the with the 'new globalized cultural imaginary.' There will hence be many Christian spiritualities instead of one 'old fashioned Christianity.' These Christian spiritualities will embrace many of the good features of the prevalent culture. The gospel message will be transmitted along the channels which entertainment is delivered to us today.

Taylor makes a strong case for Christianity to remain relevant to the prevailing culture. However, he sometimes skirt too close to the line that demarcate inclusiveness and exclusiveness of Christianity.

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Time to Read, but GET IT USED., October 7, 2011

By 

J. Allison "ymguy15" (Weatherford, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Entertainment Theology: New-Edge Spirituality in a Digital Democracy (Cultural Exegesis) (Paperback)

There is much that I, a conservative evangelical appreciate in this book. I appreciate his
delineation of the postmodern cultural situation. I appreciate his call for a theology which
exhibits lightness, quickness, exactitude and consistency. Yet, I am unsure what he really
means by "visibility", and not sure that I understand how one can construct a theology
which has no real starting point, but which creates a desire for one to explore the other
areas of the theology in an ever deepening manner - what he seems to mean by
multiplicity. I think he makes valid points that Christians should attempt to encode the
message of Christ to the present culture, and that we should encourage people to be active
participants in the present instead of yearning for the past. I also very much enjoyed his
incorporation of the ideas communicated in technology, and his use of literature and film
(even TV) to explain his ideas. Having said that, this book really doesn't seem to be
aimed at me. It seems to be aimed at a 20-something who is looking to leave "traditional"
Christianity, and encourage them to do so.

Read my full review [...]