Torch, Summer 2006

were not so, the American entertainment culture influences the values and behavior of society more than government, schools, or churches. Bill Wichterman, policy advisor to Senator Majority Bill Frist, admits, “ Will and Grace , WWE SmackDown , Eminem, and Madonna have more to do with the direction of our culture than all of Congress.” Phyllis Tickle, formerly of Publishers Weekly , comments in her book, God-Talk in America , “More theology is conveyed in, and probably retained from, one hour of popular television than from all of the sermons that are delivered on any given weekend in America’s synagogues, churches, and mosques.” With entertainment having this much influence, we dare not run! There are certainly parts of popular culture that should be avoided. However, the world of entertainment is more than a battleground; it provides a forum for cultural discourse. Non-Christians will make movies that are non-Christian. Those who are antagonistic to Jesus Christ will write songs that are antagonistic to Jesus Christ. What a surprise! Jesus Himself said it would be this way (John 15:18-19). How are we to respond? The tag line of the movie version of The Da Vinci Code gives us our challenge: “Seek the truth.” And, I would go one step further: Share the Truth. Engage the culture in significant conversations that demonstrate the heart and mind of Christ. Be prepared to give an answer for the hope that lies within you. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Col. 4:5). “More theology is conveyed in, and probably retained from, one hour of popular television, than from all of the sermons that are delivered on any given weekend in America’s synagogues, churches, and mosques.” T Some Christian leaders say that The Da Vinci Code will go the way of The Last Temptation of Christ , Martin Scorsese’s 1998 film based on the book by Nikor Kazantzakis. I disagree. The differences are far too great to think that The Da Vinci Code will be mired in obscurity. The Last Temptation of Christ was made for $7 million and appeared in 123 theaters. It grossed $8.3 million, most of that because Christians picketed, boycotted, and threatened, and as a result drew such attention to the film that more people went to see it than would have otherwise. It was a bad film that died a natural death. On the other hand, The Da Vinci Code had a budget of more than $100 million for filming. Huge stars and an Oscar-winning director ensured its place in more than 3,000 theaters on May 19. Summer 2006 / TORCH 13