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Category Archives: Pop Culture
Instead of Santa, Christkindl
In many parts of Germany the secret delivery of gifts on Christmas Eve is attributed not to Santa Claus but to the Christkind (“Christ Child”)—or, in diminutive form, Christkindl. The idea that the baby Jesus is responsible for such a … Continue reading
Roundup: Jazz Advent medley, whitewashed Jesuses spark lawsuit, Christ as Shanti Data, Kitschmas gift ideas, and a South Park ditty
Jazz Advent medley: The video below is taken from a 2012 Advent service at Citylife Presbyterian Church in Boston. It features a jazz arrangement of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by Sam JC Lee (he’s the one on the double … Continue reading
Posted in Jesus Kitsch, Music, Pop Culture, Roundup
Tagged citylife music, fair-skinned jesus, jazz christmas, man sues met, sam jc lee, south park christmas
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Roundup: Yeezianity, the Young Messiah, false Jesus theories, abandoned churches, religion treasures at Yale
“The Church of Yeezianity” by Matt Wilstein: This new religion reveres Kanye West as Yeezus, “a divine being who has been sent by God to usher in a New Age of humanity,” according to the religion’s official website. In an … Continue reading
Posted in Film, Pop Culture, Roundup
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Roundup: Liquor-store Jesus, Leviticus-inspired art, Hollywood actor talks grace, and more
What would Jesus do if he saw a stray shopping cart in a parking lot? Watch the video below to find out. Be like Jesus! “111th Street Jesus” by Jim Hinch: This Image journal article from last year profiles muralist … Continue reading
Who was Saint Patrick?
St. Patrick’s feast day is tomorrow, March 17. Here’s a short clip from the video curriculum Christian History Made Easy that explains why the church commemorates him every year. For more on St. Patrick’s outreach to the Irish, read the … Continue reading
Posted in History, Pop Culture
Tagged the real saint patrick, true meaning of st. patrick's day
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Roundup: Childlike faith, benediction, WWI art, and a poem
“Four Ways Children Do Faith Better Than Adults” by Stephen Mattson: Curious, honest, passionate, excited, adventurous. Oh, to have faith like a child! “Benediction: To Hear a Good Word” by Justin Ruddy: The benediction is a liturgical element that I … Continue reading
Posted in Pop Culture, Theology, Western Art
Tagged faith like a child, good word, liturgy, poppies, roundup, World War I commemoration
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Roundup: Eden in art, transgender children, public schooling, new Exodus movie, and John Williams parody
“Back to Eden: Contemporary Artists Wander the Garden”: This new exhibition at the Museum of Biblical Art in Manhattan is on view through September 28. It features eighteen artists, many of whom work in nontraditional media. “I Am Ryland: The … Continue reading
A Brief History of Chocolate Jesus
Jesus and chocolate. I love both. So when I heard the song “Chocolate Jesus” for the first time last week (on a podcast about religious kitsch), it sounded yummy. The song is satirical, but as I listened to it, I … Continue reading
Posted in Books, Controversial Art, Jesus Kitsch, Music, Pop Culture
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“Faith in Drag” podcast: on the role of images in Christianity and Hinduism
Encounter is a Sydney-based radio documentary feature program that seeks to explore the connections between religion and life. Two weeks ago they aired an episode, hosted by Allison Chan, that includes interviews with religious gift shop workers, Christian and Hindu … Continue reading
The Real Saint Nick
Santa Claus: fact, or fiction? The answer is, a little bit of both. The Santa Claus of American lore is based on the real-life Nicholas of Myra, a Greek Christian living in Asia Minor during the third and fourth centuries. … Continue reading
The Jesus Question 