Die Afrikaanse Protestantse Akademie Biblioteek

Includes bibliographical references (pages 254-280) and indexes.

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 & 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 & Michael J. Sleasman.

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. - Publisher.