This study of today's pop culture and the marketplace is widely aimed. It is
written for the young ("today's aspiring artists and culture consumers, who
dig God but can't stomach religion"), for Christians who don't see much that
relates to God in the culture of our day, and for anyone who wants to better
relate to popular culture. The authors are immersed in their topic: Detweiler
writes screenplays and teaches at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, and
Taylor (popular culture, Fuller Theological Seminary) paints and is a
professional musician and songwriter. Chapters address advertising,
celebrities, music, movies, TV, fashion, sports, and art. They show how
artistic production in our postmodern world is characterized by "blending,
fragments, and sampling." The writing is emotionally direct: "doubts are
aired, gloves come off, and politeness takes a rest." The authors find
recurring themes such as alienation and loneliness and see wisdom and God
contained and shining through even the most debased popular culture. This book
will offer patient readers a new understanding of and appreciation for pop
culture and its often hidden connection to God. Recommended for large public
and academic libraries.-George Westerlund, formerly with Providence P.L.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
