Culture

The 2001 Principle Mordechai Steinman and Gershon Robinson: In the annals of motion picture history, the film "2001: A Space Odyssey" holds a special place. Though outwardly science fiction, the film speaks about life, the universe, and reality in general, and the message seems to be one of enormous consequence. But that message may not be what you think.
The Achievement of Alasdair MacIntyre First Things, August/September 1996: Alasdair MacIntyre's many works provide thoughtful analyses about the maladies of our contemporary philosophical landscape. Although having written far more about the problems than possible solutions, he does make useful suggestions on how to convey mea
African Slavery 1996 First Things, May 1996: There are countries in Africa today which still practice institutionalized slavery. The Western media and the United Nations have known of this fact for some time. Why has the flame of indignation not spread against this practice as it did over aparthei
American Congregations First Things, January 1996: "American Congregations" (2 vols.) is edited by James P. Wind and James W. Lewis. It is reviewed here by Nancy T. Ammerman. These two volumes offer a look at the place of church congregations in American history.
Andrei Tarkovsky: Master of the Cinematic Image Stuart C. Hancock: A profile of the cinematic work of Andrei Tarkovsky.
The Angel Quiz Lou Whitworth: An overview, in quiz format, of the origin and background of angels and demons, angels in the New Testament and Old Testament, and the future state of angels and demons.
Angels In The Architecture: A Review of Faraway, So Close (Film Review) Bill Bolthouse: If two angels fell to earth, what would they find and how would they be changed? Bill Bolthouse reviews the Wim Winders movie Far Away, So Close.
Are We Alone in the Universe?: NASA scientists claim that a Martian meteorite contains signs of life on Mars. Is the evidence credible? If life is found on Mars does in invalidate Creation? These questions and more are answered by a trained Christian scientist.
Atrocities Not Fit to Print First Things, November 1997: The persecution of Christians around the world has been given little attention in many major media outlets. Despite this fact, awareness of this issue continues to grow.
Baby Boomerangs Kerby Anderson: Examines baby boomers and their spiritual commitment, especially church attendance.
The Bible Code Rich Milne: How should thinking Christians respond to purported information embedded in the Bible?s original language? There is more to "The Bible Code" than first meets the eye.
The Birds and the Bees: Pop Culture's Evolutionary Message Nancy Pearcey: Darwinism has been applied to every area of life, and has even filtered down to popular culture. What message are young people picking up today from pop music and books? And what can parents do to teach an alternative? For the answer, read this World Magazine article from April 22, 2000.
Blue [Film Review] Nita Andrews: Nita Andrews examines the French film Blue and its unique portrayal of one woman's life-shattering depression within the context of Kieslowski's remarkable film trilogy, Blue, White, and Red.
C.S. Lewis: His Enduring Legacy Todd Kappelman: C.S. Lewis was a tremendously gifted writer of profound insight and wisdom. Both Christians and non-Christians should read his wonderful writings, the major of which are reviewed here.
Choosing Abundance First Things, October 1996: This article presents a review of current and past views on issues of abundance and wastefulness in American society. Consumerism, along with the appetites it fosters, is carefully considered in a broad philosophical context.
Christianity and Culture Jerry Solomon: The Christian is encouraged to become a transformer of culture as he seeks to glorify God in all of life.
Christians and Culture Jerry Solomon: This article focuses on five principles that can strengthen a Christian impact on culture. Fill your mind with biblical precepts; be careful that you do not respond to the surrounding culture with cultural biases; be interactive, but not accommodating; develop a positive revolutionary mindset; and glorify God in all of life.
Christmas On Mars Hill: Incarnational lifestyles in today's culture Peter Hiett: No abstract available for this article
The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of the World Order First Things, May 1997: Samuel P. Huntington in his book "The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of the World Order" argues that culture wars have replaced the Cold War as the decisive struggle in contemporary life. Reviewed by A. J. Bacevich.
The Coming Age of Cathedrals First Things, January 1997: Like the medieval citizens who anticipated the year 1000, we come to face a new millenium with apocalyptic expectations. Will society evolve into another "cathedral age" or will it decline into an era of increasing technological barbarism?
Contrition in the Age of Spin Control First Things, November 1997: If the Catholic Church admits past errors over particular incidents, does it in effect undermine its own authority? Should not the Pope publicly confess the Church's historical errors of judgement and action?
Creatures of Place and Time: Reflections on Moving First Things, April 1997: Moving itself can be a painful endeavor. It may also, however, give one cause to reflect about personal priorities and family memories. The author ties the experience ot moving to other significant topics in this insightful essay.
Culture Wars Don Closson: This article spotlights the culture war (of traditional values vs. a "progressive view") we find ourselves in and consider what a biblical response might be.
Culture and the Bible Jerry Solomon: How does a Christian respond to his culture? The answer begins with biblical insights from the lives of those who came before us.
The Culture of Disbelief Don Closson: Can a politically liberal law professor write a book that advances the cause of the religious right? Stephen Carter's The Culture of Disbelief may do just that. This essay investigates just how this might happen.
Cyberporn Kerby Anderson: Examines the pervasiveness of pornography on computer. Provides suggestions for congressional action and parental action.
Decoding Miller: The Character of Protagonist in "Saving Private Ryan" Jack L. Walker, Jr.: The relationship between character and leadership has been a major topic of discussion in recent months. This article considers this character/leadership issue by analyzing the protagonist of "Saving Private Ryan," Capt. John Miller.
Defeating Darwinism Rick Wade: Phillip Johnson?s important book, Defeating Darwinism, explains how evolution gained dominance as a theory of origins, and exposes its UNscientific foundations.
Democracy's Private Places First Things, October 1997: Public spaces and buildings do not receive the level of architectural attention that they once did. Such attention is now given to private residential spaces. What does this reversal signify?
The Discreet Charm of the Profane Genius: The Films The People vs. Larry Flynt and I Shot Andy Warhol Caroline Langston: A review of the films The People vs. Larry Flynt and I Shot Andy Warhol.
Embraced by the Light of Deception Russ Wise: Betty Eadie's best-selling book Embraced by the Light is a combination of biblical images and spiritual deception.
The English Patient Plays Casablanca First Things, May 1997: It won nine Oscars including Best Picture. Does the "English Patient" deliver a sublime message or sentimentality? The author answers this question by comparing this movie to the film classic "Casablanca."
Film and the Christian: How should a Christian view films? The author, an experienced film critic, calls us to demonstrate discernment in distinguishing between art and entertainment, without damaging one's spiritual vitality.
Financial Security for the Future Kerby Anderson: Looks at financial future (especially of baby boom generation). Discusses savings, corporate pensions, and Social Security. Also discusses retirement.
Flags, Traditions, and Charity First Things, November 1996: A college professor sponsors a "Dixie Club" at his school and reflects on the Southern Tradition. He and his students seek to discover the guiding principles behind life in the South and how Christianity has affected them.
The Fragmented Faith of American Jews First Things, February 1997: The journal "Commentary" recently sponsored a sympoium entitled "What Do American Jews Believe?" The participants were Jews of the more conservative temperament.
Freemasonry and the Christian Church Russ Wise: Many staunch Christians are Masons, and see no conflict between the two organizations. This essay takes a look at the roots and beliefs of Freemansonry from a Biblical perspective, offering historical evidence of the occultic influence in high-level Masonry.
George Lucas, The Force and God Terry Mattingly: "Some Christians hail Star Wars as evidence of a cultural search for moral absolutes. On the World Wide Web, others use the films as glowing icons that teach Eastern philosophy. Welcome to the theological mall."
God in the Closet: Why Christ Is Unwelcome in Contemporary Culture Breakpoint Commentary: Popular speaker and author Chuck Colson comments, "It's vital that we understand the root cause of modern man's hostility to God if we're ever going to counter it effectively in the culture." He recommends J. Budziszewski's, The Revenge of Conscience.
A Good Life First Things, April 1996: "A Good Life: Newspapering and other Adventures" is a book by Ben Bradlee. It is reviewed here by John Sommerville. This book is an autobiographical account of this celebrated Washington Post editor's career. Bradlee was an essential force in his paper
The Gravest Show on Earth First Things, March 1996: "The Gravest Show on Earth: America in the Age of Aids" is a book by Elinor Burkett. It is reviewed here by Phillip E. Johnson. The 1980's AIDS scare pressured scientists into prematurely determing the cause for this disease as HIV. All other theories
How the Federal Government Contributes to Poor Quality TV Programs William G. Laffer III: Although written a few years ago, this article raises the question of why we have poor programming on the major networks. Given the way the relevant laws are set up, is there a greater incentive to put quality shows on cable than on ABC, CBS and NBC?
How to Think About Secularism First Things, June/July 1996: What effects does the secularization of society have on Christians? Does it not tend to make them doubt the validity of their faith? The author gives an overview of the intellectual history of secularism and summarizes the challenges that it presents to
In on the Kill First Things, February 1997: Recent public and educational television programming has featured an endless series of animal-eating-animal documentaries. What does it say about American viewing habits that we continue to relish such programs?
Inconvenient Lives First Things, December 1996: Robert Bork re-examines the abortion question in this sweeping biological and philosophical discussion. He expresses concern with the current protected status of abortion on demand, as well as the broader cultural implications of such acceptance.
Into the Wild First Things, August/September 1996: "Into the Wild" is a book by Jon Krakauer. It is reviewed here by John P. Sisk. A youth gives up his well-to-do life and wanders around the country, working odd jobs. He eventually settles in one place to live off of the land. What message, if any, do
Is Being Touched By An Angel Enough? Don Closson: An evaluation of what's good about the TV show "Touched By An Angel" and areas where it lack substance from a biblical perspective.
Is It Just Entertainment? Jerry Solomon: The Christian enters the world of entertainment equipped with the knowledge of the clear biblical statements of God's will. He then applies that knowledge to the decisions he makes in regard to entertainment.
It Ain't Got That Swing First Things, March 2001: Explores why political conservatives have never much cared for jazz or swing music.
Jerzy Kosinski: A Biography First Things, October 1996: "Jerry Kosinski: A Biography" by James Park Sloan is the subject of this review by D. G. Myers. The life of Jerry Kosinski, a once celebrated writer, symbolizes the many cultural ironies and sicknesses of this century.
Jews in Multicultural America First Things, December 1996: Where do the Jews fit into multicultural America? Where did they fit into pluralistic America? Answering these questions involve distinguishing between pluralism and multiculturalism as well as determining what it means to move from one to the other.
Jihad vs. McWorld First Things, February 1996: There is a part of society which is parochial; the familiar places, events and people of everyday life. But there is also the universal-consumer world of "infotainment" which also absorbs much of our attention. The tension between these two, a symptom o
Judaism or Jewishness First Things, June/July 1997: The author traces the series of historical efforts by which Jews sought to gain equality in America. Did this effort culminate in an effort to secularize American institutions?
The Last Temptation Reconsidered First Things, February 1996: The author offers a defense of the Martin Scorsese film "The Last Temptation of Christ." This defense is based on the intentions of the film's makers and the effect that their infamous movie had on viewers.
Liability Insurance Crisis Kerby Anderson: This essay examines the current crisis with insurance-related lawsuits, and provides a biblical analysis.
Living in the New Dark Ages Lou Whitworth: A review of Charles Colson's important book, "Against the Night: Living in the New Dark Ages." Colson argues that "new barbarians" are destroying our culture with individualism, relativism, and the new tolerance.
Loneliness Kerby Anderson: This essay discusses the pervasiveness of loneliness in our culture, particularly within marriage. A phenomenon called "Living together loneliness" is sweeping through many families in our culture, where people--especially women--feel isolated and alone even though they are in relationships.
Lost in the Movies First Things, February 1996: Contemporary films are replete with scenes and innuendos of casual sex. When such movies are explicit and degrading, we may find ourselves repulsed. But there are many times when the message is more subtle and perhaps just as dangerous.
Margin: Space Between Ourselves and Our Limits Lou Whitworth: Margin is "the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits." When we reach the limits of our resources and abilities, we are out of margin. A review of a very important book by Dr. Richard A. Swenson: "Margin: How to Create the Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves You Need."
Moving Pictures, Moving Our Hearts Leadership University Special Focus: Since its release just a few months ago, "Titanic" has enthralled the movie-watching public. In return, they have already made it the greatest box-office hit of all time. It even tied the previous Academy Award record holder by winning eleven Oscars. Why does a movie like this engulf viewers so completely? Please see our special focus for insight into both this particular cinematic success and our movie-obsessed society in general.
Music and the Christian Jerry Solomon: Christians are encouraged to begin to think about the place and influence of music in their lives.
The New Absolutes Rick Wade: A review of Bill Watkins' book The New Absolutes, which says that Americans are not relativists, we're actually absolutists. Rather than abandoning absolutes, we're adopting new ones to take the place of the old.
The New Age Movement Kerby Anderson: Brief summary of the New Age Movement with a biblical evaluation of each major tenet.
The New Cinema Matt Bynum: This article explores the history of cinema and how the advances in cinema technology are affecting the mediium.
The New Wave of Christian Broadcasting Terry Mattingly: Syndicated religion columnist Terry Mattingly profiles veteran Christian producer Bob Briner's damning critique of Christian engagement of the culture through media.
Not So Christian America First Things, October 1996: Should America be considered a religious or secular society? Polls indicate that many Americans claim to believe in bibllical truths and yet think human choices should be made apart from those beliefs. Is religion in America simply another convenience?
Opinion: The 1934 Million Man March; Form Over Matter; The Uses of Clerical Scandal First Things, February 1996: This report, written by an American journalist at the time, describes the 1934 Nazi rally at Nuremberg. This vivid essay recounts this event as depicted in the famous film "Triumph of the Will." When one considers the course of events that shortly follo
The Parent Trap Times Three First Things, March 1999: Mack contrasts the two versions of the movie The Parent Trap with the German novel that inspired them.
The Politics of Architecture First Things, November 1996: A man shares his most cherished beliefs with three friends while on a scenic drive. As each reveals his polical and religious convictions, four distinct American archetypes emerge.
The Pornography Plague Kerby Anderson: This essay describes forms of pornography and then documents the psychological and social effects. It also examines legal issues and provides a biblical perspective on sex.
Redemptive Sex at the Met First Things, December 1996: The New York Metropolitan Opera under conductor James Levine has only premiered two works: Phillip Glass's "The Voyage" and John Corigliano's "The Ghost of Versailles." In both operas, the plot centers around non-marital sex. Unlike classic opera, how
Rock Music Jerry Solomon: Rock music continues to occupy an important place in the lives of millions of youth, including Christians. This essay encourages us to Stop, Listen, and Look as we listen to rock. Since the music is not inherently evil, discernment is the key.
Saving "Private Ryan" from the Conservatives Ken Masugi: Many conservatives criticized "Saving Private Ryan." Were their criticisms justified?
"Saving Private Ryan" and the U.S. Military Ethos Mackubin Thomas Owens: The harsh realities of war portrayed in "Saving Private Ryan" demonstrate the importance of virtues associated with military heroism.
Science and the Story that We Need First Things, January 1997: Current technology tranfers messages at a blistering pace. Modern science provides guidance on where we came from and how we should live. But what genuine human purpose is served by this glut of information?
Shakespeare in Love [Movie Review] Charles W. Colson: This movie is complete fiction and presents sex as the driving energy of Shakespeare's life and creativity.
Sin and Censorship: The Catholic Church and the Motion Picture Industry First Things, January 1997: Book review of "Sin and Censorship: The Catholic Church and the Motion Picture Industry" by Frank Walsh. Reviewd by John P. Sisk. Discussed the relationship of Catholicism and Hollyood with particular attention to the now defunct Legion of Decency.
Slogans Jerry Solomon: Slogans may be the lingua franca of contemporary life. If so, Christians should give attention to the ideas the are imbedded in the messages.
Smoke and Mirrors at the Crystal Cathedral First Things, June/July 1997: A spectacular presentation of Christ's Passion story minus the redemptive element? The renowned production of the "Glory of Easter" by the Crystal Cathedral is the subject of this review.
The Southern Front First Things, May 1996: A Marxist and Soviet Union supporter turns against communism in favor of southern traditions, particularly those rooted in religion. This is the story of Eugene D. Genovese who wrote "The Southern Front: History and Politics in the Culture War." The
Sports and Character Leadership University Special Focus: The initiation of football season carries with it many emotions, particularly excitement. However, recent scandals have dimmed the enthusiasm for this and other sports. The underlying issue of character fuels debate about the place of morality in the lives of highly competitive sportsmen. We have put together this special focus to consider character with regard to sports in particular, as well as life in general.
A Tale of Three Pregnancies First Things, March 1997: Cher and her famed co-stars made a movie about the abortion issue entitled "If These Walls Could Talk." It is filled with Hollywood strereotypes: bigoted pro-lifers, a sainted feminist and an enlightened conversion. Wendy D. Shalit provides this review.
Television Jerry Solomon: Christians are encouraged to redeem television by developing visual literacy. Discernment is crucial in watching TV.
Titanic: A Critical Appraisal Todd Kappelman: In his appraisal of the movie "Titanic," Todd Kappelman encourages Christian viewers to exercise discernment and engage the culture with the challenging themes in the film.
The Truth About "Inherit the Wind" First Things, February 1997: The author summarizes and comments on the play "Inherit the Wind" by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. This drama is based on the 1925 "monkey trial" which took place in Dayton, Tennessee.
The U.S. Titanic John Gay: The Titanic may have sunk deep into the Atlantic nearly a century ago, but it is hardly sinking today. Box-office revenue for the megahit movie Titanic has exceeded the previously #1 Star Wars and is refusing to slow down. When this ship will finally land, no one knows for sure. In the meantime, a sea of movie-goers continues to keep Titanic afloat, drawn to its nostalgia, love story, and special effects. But is there something beyond the perfect set design, the dazzling effects, and the box office receipts? Is there more to Titanic than meets the eye?
Violence in Society Kerby Anderson: Discusses issue of violence in society with special emphasis on television violence.
We Hold These Truths: A Statement of Christian Conscience and Citizenship First Things, October 1997: To commemorate the 221st anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a group of church and organization leaders put forth this statement to reaffirm the principles of that most distinctive of American documents.
What Will Guide Us? John H. Stoll, Ph.D.: Recent articles have centered upon the decline of our country in the area of moral values. If this be true, and the quantifying of it has been substantiated, as William Bennett has pointed out (Wall Street Journal, March 15,1993), then it is proper to ask what will guide us in the future, and will that guide be adequate to elevate our culture and insure peace and tranquility for all?
Where Are We Headed? John H. Stoll, Ph.D.: With all the concern in the media, as well as among people, as to the problems we face in our world today, when it seems as if all we hear is bad news, what does one think as to the future? On any given evening the news on TV tells of a majority of negative things going on in the world. Commentators go to great lengths to assess why we are in such a mess. No one seems to know. Is there an answer, what is it, and where do we find it?
Where Have All Our Heroes Gone? Ray Cotton: A discussion of the need for heroes with some modern-day examples.
Whimpering Toward Eternity: The Waning Anger-and Art-of Oliver Stone Scott Sawyer: For many, the provocative auteur's self-characterized "wakeup cinema" has had profound personal meaning. Now, the passion of the last-angry-man director whom critics and culturalists love to revile appears to be running an inevitable course.
The World View of "Jurassic Park" Dr. Ray Bohlin: The book and movie "Jurassic Park" were more than just great entertainment. There was a specific attempt to alter the way you think about Nature, its use and potential abuse.
World Views Jerry Solomon: A world view is the set of assumptions and pre-suppositions that everyone has, through which we look at the world like a pair of glasses. This essay examines what makes up a world view, and answers six questions from three different world views: pantheism, naturalism, and Christian theism.