Barna

The Barna Group – Six Megathemes Emerge from Barna Group Research in 2010

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The Barna Group – Six Megathemes Emerge from Barna Group Research in 2010.

Makes me wonder why this is true.  All of the studies findings seem to come back to Barna’s first point:

1. The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate.

A theologically illiterate Church might lose mission (pt 2), not care for spiritual principles (pt 3), prioritize community action over gospel proclamation (pt 4), become more pc (pt 5) and experience little/no impact on the world around.  Whether or not my thinking is true, one still wonders, “Why?”

I believe it starts with our evangelism.  We often try to downplay various aspects of the gospel, in order to win an audience or secure a conversion.  Some down play God’s justness and Hell.  Others downplay the radical commitment that Christ demands.  When we win people to a gospel that only requires a prayer and attending church once in a while, we should not be surprised by these results.

“So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”  (Luke 14:33 ESV)

Contrary to our invitations, Jesus made a radical call upon those who would experience God’s grace–they must give up everything.  The response Christ demands is a willingness to lay down anything–and everything–in order to gain Christ.  When we have this attitude toward Christ Barna’s six findings will no longer true.

 

Barna on Media Exposure, Addiction: Part III

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Scary media – whether that be in the form of slasher films, episodes about demonic possession or other portrayals of the dark side and sick behavior – have become the favorite genre of the Mosaic generation. One noted result is that feelings of fear about one’s environment are reaching record levels, manifested in nightmares, judgment of other people based upon appearance or stereotypes, and changes in daily behavioral routines to avoid scary places.

via Media Exposure, Addiction.

Okay, one more point I want to make.  This one is simple.  The fascination with slasher flicks is nothing new.  I can remember Friday the 13th movies, Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street.  While a part of this is simply human nature, another part of this growing fascination is a failure of parenting.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things,” Philippians 4:8 tells us.  Yet, what are these kids consumed with?  Violence, fear, pain and all the ‘sick behavior’ of horror flicks.  Where they never taught that the Christian is to train their mind to meditate upon the things of God? Have they not been taught that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:8)?  Or that we are not to fear anyone other than God (Matthew 10:28)?

So, simply put, I believe this growing fascination with horror results from 1) the de-Christianization of America and 2) Christian parents failing to disciple their children.