Everyday Theology (Cultural Exegesis) : How to Read Cultural Texts and Interpret Trends

This first volume in the Cultural Exegesis series offers illustrative examples of how to read and understand cultural practices and social trends. A Reader's Guide : How To Use This Book -- Introduction: Toward A Theory Of Cultural Interpretation -- What Is Everyday Theology? How And Why Christians Should Read Culture / Kevin J. Vanhoozer -- Reading Cultural Texts -- The Gospel According To Safeway : The Checkout Line And The Good Life / Jeremy D. Lawson, Michael J. Sleasman And Charles A. Anderson -- Despair And Redemption : A Theological Account Of Eminem / Darren Sarisky -- The High Price Of Unity : The Universal Declaration Of Human Rights / David G. Thompson -- Between City And Steeple : Looking At Megachurch Architecture / Premkumar D. Williams -- Swords, Sandals, And Saviors : Visions Of Hope In Ridley Scott's Gladiator / Michael J. Sleasman -- Interpreting Cultural Trends -- The Business Of Busyness : Or, What Should We Make Of Martha? / Charles A. Anderson -- Welcome To The Blogosphere / Justin A. Bailey -- Human 2.0 : Transhumanism As A Cultural Trend / Matthew Eppinette -- Fantasy Funerals And Other Designer Ways Of Going Out In Style / Ben Peays -- Concluding Untheoretical Postscript -- Putting It Into Practice : Weddings For Everyday Theologians / Charles A. Anderson And Michae J. Sleasman. Edited By Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Charles A. Anderson, Michael J. Sleasman. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 254-280) And Indexes. "Generally speaking, students, theologians, pastors, and church leaders are well-trained in the task of biblical exegesis. Where many fall short, however, is in the area of cultural exegesis--reading and interpreting the texts and trends produced by our culture, which can have a profound influence on the way we understand the world and practice our faith. Anyone interested in the intersection of Christianity and culture needs to be able to do "everyday theology," that is, to think theologically about our cultural environment and pass it through the grid of Scripture, in order to respond faithfully as Christian disciples. Everyday Theology is the first volume in the new Cultural Exegesis series. With an emphasis on both methodology and case study, it is well-suited for seminary classroom use. A significant introduction by Vanhoozer lays out the hermeneutical method for engaging with culture. This is followed by a series of essays that engage cultural texts and trends, from the music of Eminem to the grocery store checkout lane to the phenomenon of Internet blogs. A concluding chapter walks the reader step-by-step through the interpretation process with an additional case study." -- Provided by Publisher Everyday theology is the reflective and practical task of living each day as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. In other words, theology is not just for Sundays, and it's not just for professional theologians. Everyday Theology teaches all Christians how to get the theological lay of the land. It enables them to become more conscious of the culture they inhabit every day so that they can understand how it affects them and how they can affect it. If theology is the ministry of the Word to the world, everyday theologians need to know something about that world, and Everyday Theology shows them how to understand their culture make an impact on it. Engaging and full of fresh young voices, this book is the first in the new Cultural Exegesis series.