All Comments for: The Christian Pop Cultures of <i>Rapture Ready</i> | Christianity Today

Free Newsletters:

RSS Feeds |

Audio |

Twitter

Home > 2008 > June (Web-Only)

Christianity Today, June (Web-Only), 2008 |

The Christian Pop Cultures of Rapture Ready

Writer Daniel Radosh explores the heavy-handed evangelists, the art snobs, the money changers, and others who make up the Christian entertainment industry.

Interview by Sarah Pulliam | posted 6/19/2008 08:25AM

A humanistic Jew spent a year immersed in the Christian entertainment world. When he came back up for breath, Daniel Radosh wrote about the $7 billion industry.

In Rapture Ready! Adventures in the Parallel ...

[Reader Reviews]

Average User Rating:

Rate and Comment on this article

Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 comments.

Page: 1

Show All

Matt K

Posted: June 25, 2008 12:54 PM

The strength of true Christianity is that we can take criticism from "Humanistic Jews," Muslims, "Recovering Evangelicals," and athiests without becoming enraged and lashing out. I wonder how well received this book would have been if were written by a Christian about these same groups. My guess is that it would be denounced by all of our current presidential candidates, and become fodder for cable news. But, it is about us, and we turn the other cheek. I am proud to be thought of as odd for Christ's sake.

Anonymous

Posted: June 25, 2008 7:04 AM


The article identified the author, Daniel Radosh, as a "humanistic Jew," not a Christian. Did I misunderstand or is this article on Christianity written by a non-Christian?

Barb	Posted: June 25, 2008 2:57 AM


Before the early 1980s, there was no Christian pop culture to speak of. Instead. Christian life revolved around worshiping and serving at church and personal devotions. Yes there are some worthwhile messages and music out there, but a lot more mediocre ones. Listening to Christian music and teachers cannot replace real growth through worship, Bible study and ministry.

Challenger

Posted: June 24, 2008 8:57 PM

The author misses one essential point about Christian art/music/entertainment. As we know, the flesh and the spirit war against one another. Consequently, no matter what the quality of the Christian entertainment is, the secular world will, in the main, reject it. Even if there is 'no' message, there will be one, somewhere deeper, and the world will know it and hate it. Look at the criticisms that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe got from secular reviewers who complained about it's 'hidden' messages. As if the world doesn't supremely bombard us with its' not-so-secret messages! So, in the main, there will never be the crossover into the secular world that the author proposes will be a good thing. The exceptions prove the rule, of course.

Kathy

Posted: June 24, 2008 9:27 AM


I too am a recovering evangelical (love that phrase!). The tackiness of the Christian pop culture (Christian super heros, biblical breath mints - breath mints!) has pushed me more and more to the liturgical side of the religion because of it's emphasis on the sacred. Great article.

John	Posted: June 19, 2008 5:02 PM

Good article and in some cases I think your right about folks living in the "bubble" without experieincing a relationship with our Father through his Son Jesus. I disagree that most Christian artists believe their art is created for art's sake rather than as a means to worship Christ. I may read the book but most true believers don't care what the world thinks, it only matters how they relate to the Father.

Kirk	Posted: June 19, 2008 12:35 PM


Once again, Sarah shows the world her merit as a journalist. Well done, Sarah.

Tom	Posted: June 19, 2008 11:50 AM


I have read the book and as a recovering evangelical, I found it refreshing. It will offend those who live their lives in the "Christian Bubble", but for those of us who have found our way out it is a great read!

elly	Posted: June 19, 2008 10:54 AM


Radosh! you rock! I can't remember the last time i heard so much sense spoken in one place. you are a breath of fresh air from the current glut of writers/"satirists" who are only interested in WHAT people believe (and why it's stupid) as opposed WHY they believe it - which is the important question. as a christian and a career artist, i am very excited to read your book.

Page: 1

E-mail this page

Write CT

Print this article

Post a comment