Sixth, show a deep acquaintance with the same books…
““Sixth, show a deep acquaintance with the same books, magazines, blogs, movies, and plays — as well as the daily life experiences — that your audience knows. Mention them and interpret them in light of Scripture. But be sure to read and experience urban life across a spectrum of opinion. There is nothing more truly urban than showing you know, appreciate, and digest a great diversity of human opinion. During my first years in New York, I regularly read The New Yorker (sophisticated secular), The Atlantic (eclectic), The Nation (older, left-wing secular), The Weekly Standard (conservative but erudite), The New Republic (eclectic and erudite), Utne Reader (New Age alternative), Wired (Silicon Valley libertarian), First Things (conservative Catholic). As I read, I imagine dialogues about Christianity with the writers. I almost never read a magazine without getting a scrap of a preaching idea.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Engage with the cultural touchstones your audience knows, interpreting them through Scripture while also experiencing diverse urban perspectives.
In simple terms: Connect with popular media and ideas, then view them through a Christian lens.
Key Takeaway
Read widely, then discuss faith using those references.
Themes
culture
communication
faith
urban life
dialogue
Mood
thoughtful
engaging
reflective
Type
explanatory
inspirational
conversational
When to use this quote
- preaching
- teaching
- interfaith dialogue
- urban ministry
- media analysis
Key Concepts
theology
media literacy
contextualization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance cultural relevance with doctrinal depth?
- What media best reflects your audience’s worldview?
A Different Perspective
May overlook deeper theological nuances in favor of cultural relevance.