Clueless

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 05:04:51 GMT

So I decided today that I really need to get a part time job; I am way too disconnected from my culture, anything that's not churchy or 'Christian'. Of course, getting a part time job is not the only way of interacting with the surrounding culture but it is a good way.

But why is this coming up? I've been thinking over the last several months that I have very little interaction with any unbelievers and how that's not only sad but possibly even quite wrong. Just recently over at The Gospel Driven Life Mark Lauterbach has been talking about how he himself has neglected getting to know those outside the church and how they think (Preaching to the Choir). This morning our culture was discussed and there's a certain level where I can analyze it generally and theoretically, but really...I don't know or understand the heartbeat of the people around me.

Maybe it's because I've never been there. I've grown up in a churched surrounding all my life. I left for a year but spent it in a very secluded area going to Bible school. I did go to a public highschool for one year, but didn't really get to know the people around me. Even in the Christian settings I have had a hard time 'clicking' with the more 'popular' and culturally savvy. I've rather been the one who as a kid always memorized the verses and knew the right answers. I was the one who in highschool gave judgemental speeches about being more on fire for Christ. Not exactly the type to fit in with 'normal' people.

Maybe it's because I've never questioned my faith, or the church, or the Bible so I can't even imagine what kind of questions are being asked. Yeah, I have counselled camp for 6 or 7 years and have a very close friend who, although a Christian, has grown up outside of the church, but even still, I'm mostly clueless. To analyze and criticize our culture in general is one thing but on a personal level, I'm lost.

Overwhelming Excess

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 05:39:15 GMT

This week I watched a movie. In the special features they said that for this movie they built the biggest movie set ever (at least up til that time), covering 7 acres. That's quite impressive. And of course, they built the buildings with all the little details, murals and landscaping. As I watched this I had to ask "Is it necessary?" I suppose that has a yes and no answer. In one sense it's not needed. A lot of that detail will never be seen and most people will never grasp how big the set is, or notice the costume of the extra at the furthest end of the crowd. Could it be done with less? Oh yes, look at the older movies! But on the other hand it is necessary in order to have a high quality movie. Although all the details may not be noticed, it is possible and probable they would be noticed if they were gone.

But that leads me to another question. Is it worth it? With advancing technology, not only is more money being spent on creating our entertainment, but we're also able to see how they make the movies and so, have a better idea of the millions and billions of dollars that are being spent, not to mention the enormous amounts of time devoted to these projects. I personally am becoming a little overwhelmed at the excess. Of course, I enjoy the privilege of sitting down and watching a well done, high quality movie. But is it worth the cost? Is entertainment as important as we have made it?

Debbie Janelle: Culture

Clueless

Overwhelming Excess