Kelton Cobb's introduction to theology and popular culture is a well thought out attempt of interpreting voices in popular culture in light of contemporary scholarship. It is organized in two parts, the first reflecting on theories on popular culture and the second expositing theologies of popular culture.



He begins by giving some historical and social context to the rise of popular culture (ch. 1), and then he introduces some of the major concepts in the study of popular culture, specifically coming from Frankfurt school and the Birmingham Center with their (post)Marxist critical analysis (ch. 2). In chapter 3, he reviews major attitudes and approaches the church has historically used to approach culture, depicted by Turtullian (avoidance), Augustine (engagement), and Paul Tillich.



Paul Tillich is particularly important for Cobb's approach. Paul Tillich taught at the Frankfurt school and had close association with notable scholars there (e.g., Adorno, Horkheimer, and Lowenthal). His appropriation of that scholarship inspired his writings, and consequently practically invented the discipline of Theology and Culture. Cobb utilizes the distinction in Tillich's project between Religion1 - being the expressions of a culture's orientation towards transcendence and ultimate concern, and Religion2 - the specific religious institutions. In chapter 4, Cobb introduces the theological tools used to approach poplar culture, such as Ultimate Concern, Myth, Revelation, Ecstasy, etc. He introduces a notion of Religion3 - which are specifically religious expressions or symbols that have been absorbed into popular culture.



Chapters 5-9 make up the second part of the book . He utilizes the insights mentioned in the first part and reviews the themes of Images of God (ch. 5), Human Nature (Ch. 6), Sin (Ch. 7), Salvation (Ch. 8), and Eschatology (Ch. 9, entitled "Life Everlasting"). His awareness of the development of themes and myths in contemporary culture is impressive, drawing on a variety of resources such as contemporary books, movies, music, art, and fashion. He notes cultural myths that were shaped by capitalist America, such as consumer-culture's reverence to the wisdom of `ordinary folk'; or an Emerson-influenced notion of therapy where individual happiness is the Ultimate Concern.



I think this book is a helpful resource for reflecting on theology and poplar culture, or even popular culture in general. Cobb's use of Tillich, Religion1, Religion2, and Religion3 provides some helpful distinctions. The theological concepts are basic to assessing anthropology and culture, but very important and present a good starting place to contemplate these things. I think you'll be impressed.

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