Jesus Made Me Puke and Other Tales From the Evangelical Front Lines
(explicit language)

by Matt Taibbi

The book Understanding Evangelical Media includes chapters critiquing evangelical media and culture from a Jewish perspective and from a catholic perspective. In the article linked above, Rolling Stone magazine author Matt Taibbi offers an insightful, albeit intense, first-hand account of his experience at the "Encounter Weekend" with the Cornerstone Church in Texas.

Taibbi doesn't say much here about his personal religious background, offering only that his perspective is that of an outsider. What would the reaction be if an evangelical wrote a similarly toned piece on a radically different worldview or faith community? Which of Taibbi's criticisms are excessively harsh and which are dead-on accurate?

Also, be sure to take a look at the 'Comments' section below the article which contains an interesting variety of opinions on the story and even a handful of surprisingly thoughtful exchanges between readers.

Click here for more on the on-going conversations regarding evangelical media and culture.

        

Local Pastors take on 'Church of Oprah'

A group of pastors and evangelical leaders in Dallas are publicly criticizing Oprah Winfrey who they've called "the most dangerous woman in the world." The group feels the views and ideas promoted through Winfrey's various media outlets, particularly her intense promotion of Eckhart Tolle's book A New Earth, contradict the teachings of the Bible. Reactions for and against this claim from bloggers have already been plentiful and diverse.

Hopefully their criticism will stir a productive cultural discussion. Be sure to check out not only the news coverage of this story, but the online responses to it as well. If you've blogged a thoughtful critique of the 'Church of Oprah,' let us know in the comments section below.

For more on understanding evangelical television click here.

        

Florida lawmakers debate offering a Christian license plate

Novelty license plates are available for a number of causes and organizations, now a group in Florida is requesting a plate featuring a cross and the words "I Believe" on it. Should the state produce these? 

This is a rather insignificant instance of the separation of church and state being debated, but keep in mind how journalists frame the story and present the opposing perspectives as you read about it online. Additionally, how are the people and organizations on both sides presenting their reasons for and against the plates?

Click here for more on evanglical public relations or here for more on evangelical retail and merchandising.

        

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This will be the official essay and podcasting site for authors of the forthcoming book Understanding Evangelical Media: The Changing Face of Christian Communication (InterVarsity, 2008), edited by Quentin J. Schultze and Robert H. Woods, Jr.  The related website is located at:

http://www.understandingevangelicalmedia.com