Everyday Theology: How to Read Cultural Texts and Interpret Trends » (ANN)

Kevin J. Vanhoozer (PhD, University of Cambridge) is Blanchard Professor of Theology at Wheaton College Graduate School. He is the author or editor of many books, including the award-winning Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible.

Charles A. Anderson is a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge.

Michael J. Sleasman (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is managing director of the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity at Trinity International University.

Everyday theology is the reflective and practical task of living each day as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. In other words, theology is not just for Sundays, and it's not just for professional theologians. Everyday Theology teaches all Christians how to get the theological lay of the land. It enables them to become more conscious of the culture they inhabit every day so that they can understand how it affects them and how they can affect it. If theology is the ministry of the Word to the world, everyday theologians need to know something about that world, and Everyday Theology shows them how to understand their culture make an impact on it. Engaging and full of fresh young voices, this book is the first in the new Cultural Exegesis series.

A Reader's Guide: How to Use This Book     7
Introduction: Toward a Theory of Cultural Interpretation
What Is Everyday Theology? How and Why Christians Should Read Culture   Kevin J. Vanhoozer     15
Reading Cultural Texts
The Gospel according to Safeway: The Checkout Line and the Good Life   Jeremy D. Lawson   Michael J. Sleasman   Charles A. Anderson     63
Despair and Redemption: A Theological Account of Eminem   Darren Sarisky     81
The High Price of Unity: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights   David G. Thompson     99
Between City and Steeple: Looking at Megachurch Architecture   Premkumar D. Williams     115
Swords, Sandals, and Saviors: Visions of Hope in Ridley Scott's Gladiator   Michael J. Sleasman     133
Interpreting Cultural Trends
The Business of Busyness: Or, What Should We Make of Martha?   Charles A. Anderson     155
Welcome to the Blogosphere   Justin A. Bailey     173
Human 2.0: Transhumanism as a Cultural Trend   Matthew Eppinette     191
Fantasy Funerals and Other Designer Ways of Going Out in Style   Ben Peays     209
Concluding Untheoretical Postscript
Putting It into Practice: Weddings for Everyday Theologians   Charles A. Anderson   Michael J. Sleasman     229
Glossary of Methodological Terms   Kevin J. Vanhoozer     247
Notes     254
Everyday Theologians Information     281
Subject Index     282
Scripture Index     285