Sugarcoating the Word for Sweet-toothed Teens

[image][img align=left]http://www.geocities.com/sk8rzchik3/revolvemag.jpg[/img]This article was sent to me by a friend. Written by ABC News, distributed by America Online. It impacted me because I am an 18-year-old female, and I wanted to share it with you all, too. I know it is a very long post, and I would have linked it, but it was only accessible by those who used America Online. I didn't want to omit anything.WHERE BIBLE AND POP MEET(Aug. 26) -- With religion and pop culture intersecting more and more these days, perhaps it was inevitable: The Bible's gotten a Cosmo-style makeover.With a trio of smiling teenage girls on the cover, along with teasers for beauty tips and dating advice, Revolve looks like it has more in common with Glamour than Gideon.But don't judge the Good Book by its cover. Revolve is an honest-to-goodness Bible, encompassing the New Testament from Matthew to Revelation. But its magazine-like styling and bright cover will help it seem hipper to today's girls, the publishers hope. "We asked teen girls how often they read the Bible," says Laurie Whaley, one of Revolve's editors and a spokeswoman for its publisher, Thomas Nelson Bibles. "The response that came back was, 'Well, we don't read the Bible.' "They said, 'It's just too freaky, too intimidating. It doesn't make any sense.'" Heavenly Father in a Pop Culture WorldRevolve is just the latest cross-pollination of religion and pop culture that has seen Christian-themed fiction climb the best-seller lists and Christian rock and rap get a foothold in the music world."Really, for the past 100 years, evangelicals have tried to use popular culture to draw people to their faith," says Lynn Schofield Clark, a sociologist at the University of Colorado's School of Journalism and Mass Communication who has written about Christianity, teens and popular culture.Examples date back to at least the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Many well-known hymns originated in the 19th century as Christian poems set to the music of popular barroom tunes. Martin Luther himself used secular melodies to spread the word. Jeffrey Mahan, a professor of ministry, media and culture at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, agrees, but he also believes the trend is accelerating. "The old classic description of religion that made divisions between the sacred and the secular are breaking down," he says. "It's really in the last 30 years that that's taken off," says Larry Eskridge, associate director of the Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals at Wheaton College in Massachusetts.They attribute the change to a reaction to political controversies in the 1970s, such as the Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion, and the rise of a counterculture interpretation of Christianity around the same time.Before the 1970s, fundamentalist Christianity took a dim view of mainstream trends like rock 'n' roll. At one time, it was uncommon to see rows of Bible-inspired fiction in Christian bookstores, because evangelicals often considered reading fiction a waste of time. But in recent years, they have been more willing and often eager to harness the energy and appeal of pop culture. 'The Left Behind' series -- an 11-installment serial potboiler based on the Book of Revelation -- has sold well over 50 million copies so far. 'Left Behind' has spawned a series of graphic novel comics and kids' books, as well as scores of other biblically inspired works of fiction. There are also all manner of Bibles geared toward everyone from high school athletes to toddlers. "I've seen Precious Moments Bibles for kids and just everything under the sun," says Eskridge.The rise of Christian pop culture also has economic roots, he says. As fundamentalists became more prosperous, a new industry arose to sell them goods to suit their values and beliefs. Most experts estimate 25 percent to 30 percent of Americans are fundamentalist Christians, and perhaps another 5 percent to 10 percent are broadly sympathetic to those values and beliefs. Those numbers haven't changed significantly in recent decades, but they have become wealthier and more active consumers, says Philip Goff, director of Indiana University's Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture.Goff believes the growth of Christian pop culture also reflects the expansion of mainstream pop culture, which has become ubiquitous and ever more varied in recent decades. "There's so much more choice in pop culture at large," says Goff. The interaction of faith and pop culture is hardly limited to evangelicalism, or even Christianity. From the New Age movement to yoga and feng shui, there are traces of many religions and spiritual movements in mainstream trends. "People want to lead integrated lives," says Mahan. "So their entertainment life, their political life and their work life are integrated with their life of faith." A Bible With Quizzes, Top 10 Lists, and Celeb BirthdaysYoung evangelical Christians like Neille Sybert say a pop-influenced Bible like Revolve is not a bad idea. "It looks totally like a magazine," says Sybert, a 19-year-old saleswoman at Loaves & Fishes Christian Store in Vista, Calif. She thinks it would appeal to young girls who might feel embarrassed carrying around a black leather tome. "It makes it fun to read the Bible," she says.In addition to the biblical text -- written in the modern English of the New Century Version -- Revolve also features teen 'zine staples such as quizzes, Top 10 lists, and Q&A's. They focus, however, on religious topics like, "Are you dating a godly guy?" and inner-beauty advice. There are also tips on prayer, volunteerism, and calendars with entries, such as "Pray for a person of influence: Today is Michael Jordan's birthday" on Feb. 17.Revolve has been on the shelves for barely a month, but Stephen Virkler, an assistant manager at the Family Christian Store in Fairfield, N.J., says his customers appear interested. "They have to reach these kids in a different way," says Virkler, 31.Revolve and similar efforts typically emphasize aspects of Christianity that might appeal to teenagers' attitudes. They describe Jesus as a radical who was not afraid to challenge mainstream society. The content, however, hews to conservative Christian values on subjects like homosexuality and women's deference to men. In one hypothetical question and answer, a girl asks, "How do you tell a friend that's your crush that you're into him without ruining your friendship?" Revolve counsels her: "You don't. Sorry... God made guys to be the leaders. That means that they lead in relationships."Older evangelicals like Mike Berthurum, a salesman at The Ark Book Store in Denver who has been selling Christian texts for 30 years, say they don't have a problem with Revolve if it spurs young people's faith. "This looks more like a book or a magazine that a youth would pick up," he says. "I think it's a good idea."God and the HulkThe convergence of religion and pop culture has reached into film, music, books. Christian teens today can tune in to religiously themed pop, rap, and even heavy metal. There are biblically inspired comic books and video games. Brio, a teen magazine published by the Colorado-based Christian radio ministry Focus on the Family, offers a chatty, conservative Christian take on traditional teen topics like celebrities, music and makeovers. In New York City, a nondenominational evangelical church called Journey Church of the City screens mainstream summer blockbusters like 'The Matrix Reloaded', 'Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines' and 'Seabiscuit,' and then holds discussions on the movies from a Christian viewpoint. "A lot of people have the idea that you can only find God in the church," says Nelson Searcy, a teaching pastor with the church. "We believe that if you seek God you'll find him, even in the movies."Outside Dallas, Lake Pointe Church recently opened a skateboarding park. It's one of several churches trying to draw young people with fun, teen-friendly activities. The "world's first skate ministry conference" recently convened in Canada. The Skate Church has been drawing kids with its mix of skate ramps and railings and sermons since 1987. Going Too Far? Who Would Jesus Date?The growing stream of Christian fiction, rock music, and so on worries some evangelicals and fundamentalist Christians, however."I think that's a legitimate question to raise," says Mahan, the ministry, media and culture professor. "People get nervous that these new media presentations... become substitutes for the substantive biblical texts." "If it has to imitate the culture in order to try to convert it, how much of evangelical Christianity is lost?" says Indiana University's Goff.Most are at least sensitive to the danger of watering down their spiritual message with too many pop-culture trappings."Some of it's good, and some of it can go too far," says Sybert, the 19-year-old Christian bookstore clerk. "And it kind of loses its meaning." Whatever evangelicals make of the trend, they agree it is unlikely to let up."I think we have turned a corner," say Mahan. "You can't put the genie back in the bottle."

Thanks for sharing. Found this very informative and interesting. Curious as to your take on all of this, since as you stated, you are closer in age to those who might take an interest in this.Since you are here on this site, I will take some liberty and guess you are serious in your walk...Do you find that something like this attracts or detracts from the message? In general do you find that your generation (for lack of a better word) is looking for hard truths or is it still a fad to fad type of thing that I grew up with? (I'm a bit older :-) !)

Hi Mike. :)Curious as to your take on all of this, since as you stated, you are closer in age to those who might take an interest in this.I was completely appalled when I read this for the first time. Disgusted, dismayed, shocked, disappointed, upset…the list can go on. I wasn’t happy, and it’s because I just know that this is going to appeal to some Christian girls who aren’t strong in their faith and it’s going to just put a cap on their growth. They’re not going to get fed at all through this magazine, they’re going to be hindered in their walk, and that’s incredibly angering. In the article, I read, "It looks totally like a magazine," says Sybert, a 19-year-old saleswoman at Loaves & Fishes Christian Store in Vista, Calif. She thinks it would appeal to young girls who might feel embarrassed carrying around a black leather tome. So it's okay to be ashamed of Christ and/or His Word? The girl who said that was 19...only a year ahead of me. Do you find that something like this attracts or detracts from the message?Without a doubt, it detracts from the message; it takes the focus off of God, and that should NEVER be done by anyone or anything claiming to be Christian. He deserves the glory, not our physical appearance, celebrities, boyfriends, etc. How DARE they call it Biblical yet draw attention to worldly things that obviously drag us down? Satan's laughing so hard right now, and it's disgusting.The other magazine targeted toward Christian girls that is mentioned in this article is Brio. I've read it before, and it's definitely borderline, but better than Seventeen, YM, or any of the other similar magazines.I lead an online Bible Study for newly-Saved girls between the ages of about 14 and 21. One of the things I constantly try to remind them is that being obsessive over these celebrities is one of the most wide-spread forms of idolatry today. And it's socially acceptable, even encouraged, because "everyone needs something to be passionate about". Well, we can be head-over-heels in love with God, not the pretty face on the silver screen. I am, and I like it a lot better than my B.C. time.In general do you find that your generation (for lack of a better word) is looking for hard truths or is it still a fad to fad type of thing that I grew up with?Just as in every generation, there are a variety of different types of people. Main groupings are obviously those who are truly Saved and those who are not. I have met and witnessed to nonbelievers who are truly seeking the truth with all their heart, but are not willing to consider Christ as a possible option. I was counted among those before receiving Christ; they are intelligent and analytical and perceptive, but as lost as lost gets. There are also of course, nonbelievers who just don’t care, just as can be found in any generation. Living in America, I’m familiar with a part of the country called the Bible Belt…I recently moved here from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I’ve found people here who claim to be Christian but show no fruit whatsoever. It literally and physically hurts my heart when I meet someone like this, because they are blind yet claim to see clear as day, and won’t listen if you try to bring them to their senses. They’re confident in a faith they don’t have. These are the kids raised in a church; I can try to explain to them that we are sinners, we’ve broken God’s laws, we need a Savior, Jesus paid the death penalty our sins deserved….and they’ve already heard it a billion times as they were growing up. Daily they reject Him, and daily they increase Christians’ reputation as hypocrites with their false claims of following Him and living as the heathens they are. Among my peers are also those who love and serve and worship God with their lives. We’re not all at the same point in our walks of course, and we vary in our gifts. We’re well-read, empathetic, full of love and undeserved grace. Yes, we are still sinners, but we know that we are alive in Christ!!! And that’s more thrilling than anything I can possibly think of! Teenagers are social, and we take advantage of that by fellowshipping with one another, always trying to encourage and hold each other accountable. Our motto is usually 1 Timothy 4:12. Yes, some of us are more conservative (we say “extreme”) than others…I’m considered extreme because I don’t listen to secular music, for example, where a brother or sister of mine might just avoid music with profanity and lyrics that don’t honor God.The world is getting worse daily. I can hardly turn on the television anymore…this season in America, there are at least three new shows coming out featuring homosexuality. Every second that passes is one second closer to Heaven and to Christ’s return, and I cannot wait!!If we want to reach today’s youth, the message needs to be the same, as I was reading in another post here: we’re sinners! They know it, too, but try to mask it with “everyone’s doing it”. I was Saved to contemporary Christian music, so yes, some things do need to grow with the times. But the Word must stay the same, and anything that “grows with the times” must hold fast to that Word of Truth!We’re being raised to believe that reality is abstract and that truth is subjective, and of course that sin is acceptable because the definition of sin is also subjective and open to interpretation.A magazine like this isn’t helping.

Well said!"compromise" Seems to be the prevaling thought these days....Glad to see this isn't a noun in your vocabulary!Very encouraging!Mike

WE NEED A BAPTISM OF HOLY ANGER Paul was angered at the sight of the Main Street in Athens walled in with temples to false gods. In his translation Dr. Phillips says, “While Paul was there, his soul was exasperated beyond endurance at the sight of the city so completely idolatrous.” The Amplified Version says, “Now while Paul was awaiting them at Athens, his spirit was grieved and roused to anger as he saw that the city was full of idols.” Ancient Athens, though given to class and culture, was still peddling soul-dope. Let me make some suggestions why Paul’s spirit was roused to anger as he paced the streets and beheld Athens’ sin. Paul was angry at the power of false religion to delude the people. Paul was angry at the reckless devotion of these devotees to powerless gods. Paul was angry at the staggering wealth sacrificially given to build temples to frauds. Paul was angry that Christ was cheated of the love which He should have had from men and women who could have been born of the Spirit of God. Paul was angry that men with hearts of flesh cried out in vain to gods with hearts of stone. Paul was angry that the atoning blood of Christ was trampled under foot and scorned as dung. Paul was angry that the intellectuals mocked at the resurrection and ascension of the living Son of God. Paul was angry that within a heart’s beat of an eternal and inconceivably horrible hell men could eat, drink, and be merry. Paul was angry that the devil could keep living men captive in chains of fear and lust, and then after this life hold them eternal prisoners in the bottomless pit.Leonard RavenhillSodom had no Bible

I would appreciate opinions on how to reconcile this type of attitude with James 1:19-20."This you know, my beloved brethren. But let each one be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."

I would appreciate opinions on how to reconcile this type of attitude with James 1:19-20.There is a difference between rash anger and righteous anger. There is a difference between feeling it and acting upon it. When Jesus fashioned a whip and drove those people out of the temple, He wasn't smiling.In the instance of this magazine, I am angry and upset. Really. Am I going to go and burn down the building where they print these magazines? lol No. But they're blaspheming my God, my Savior, the Love of my life. And I'm angry, and I think I have every right to be.

Couple questions for you todd:Does God get angry? Did Jesus?We are to be slow to anger (like God) and also to become angry for righteousness' sake (like God). It is the anger OF MAN that does not achieve righteousness. The anger of God does. We must have God's anger as well as everything else his spirit brings.

Jason asked:"Does God get angry? Did Jesus?"Yes, and it seems that, like you said, there may be a time when (for some reason) we feel angry because GOd is angry. Here's a couple for you:Can we be angry and loving towards the same thing at the same time? Do we have the right/authority to do, be, or act like God in every way/situation?And even if we had the right, is it profitable? God's anger is always righteous. One reason is because He knows men's hearts and motives. Do we? I think we can be righteously angry with a situation but I don't know about with individuals.QUote:"It is the anger OF MAN that does not achieve righteousness. The anger of God does."Yes, I think that is an excellent point.Chosen7Stone:I think that anger can achieve no righteousness on it's own unless it is used in action. WHat's the profit in simply feeling angry about something but not doing anything about it? Unless you are doing something, I think that this will only weigh you down. Quote:"When Jesus fashioned a whip and drove those people out of the temple, He wasn't smiling."Agreed, but I don't think we can necessarily apply this to ourselves for two reasons. First, Jesus is not a Christian, He is Christ. He is God. Second, I will ask you the same question as I did Jason, do we have the same rights/authority as God? Quote:"In the instance of this magazine, I am angry and upset. Really. Am I going to go and burn down the building where they print these magazines? lol No. But they're blaspheming my God, my Savior, the Love of my life. And I'm angry, and I think I have every right to be."Now if you can love the people who are involved with the magazine while being angry, then perhaps you are ok and can use the anger for good. If you are holding onto the anger without love, I think you will find the situation to be an unnecessary downer and worse you may be in sin. And since you are angry, what are you going to do about it? I would encourage you to at least make some calls and try to engage the situation somehow (directly). If your anger is righteous and of God then I think you would do well to use it somehow. As far as I can tell, when God gets angry, He doesn't just stew in it, He does something about it. Does that sound right to you? If it's righteous anger, go for it. But I also encourage you to always check yourself and lean towards love and humility in the situation. Also check yourself to see if you were (or are being) slow or quick to anger and to speak in this situation.

Todd:Though we definitely do not have the authority of God, the power of God, deserve the glory of God, or have the command of God...it does not mean we cannot feel as He does toward certain things. I KNOW that I can never feel the amount of love that He may feel toward us, but I can still feel love. I can take joy when someone is Saved, and feel sorrow when a nonbeliever dies. I love my brothers and sisters in Christ, and I am angry when God is blasphemed. I may not be able to fully grasp the intensity at which He feels these emotions, but as I grow to be more Christ-like, I become more like-minded.Getting off this tangent that can be posted as a new thread if y'all want to continue talking about it, what do you think about the article? What do you think about this Revolve magazine? What are better ways to reach my peers? That was my intention in posting it to share...to get feedback.