Rules of Engagement

Welcome to Bible + Pop Culture! This magazine is designed to stimulate discussion about the application of the Bible to modern culture. We accomplish this through the examination of its art via the lenses of theology, aesthetics, + philosophy.

For readers to get the most out of Bible + Pop Culture, there are a few thoughts for engaging within the site. I refer to them as our Rules of Engagement.

Thoughtful, respectful, nay- loving is the house special for posting

Loving one another is central to Christian faith + teaching. Since the aim of this site is the honest exploration of ideas, we must be not only thoughtful + respectful, but downright loving. Let's err on the side of being graceful towards one another as we consider new perspectives on our often long-held beliefs. 1 John 3:18 states, 

My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action. 

So please know then that posts that do not adhere to a loving, teachable spirit will be removed. Let’s check our attitudes against 1 Peter 3:8-9:

To conclude: you must all have the same attitude + the same feelings; love one another, + be kind + humble with one another. Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, payback with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you.

Please post without any whiff of politics

The purpose of this magazine is a healthy exchange of ideas, not division. The current political climate in our nation is one of a house divided- unhealthy for everyone. The Bible notes that a house divided cannot stand (see Mark 3:23–27; Matthew 12:25–29; Luke 11:17–22). Therefore, any post with overt political tones will be deleted. Our goal is Kingdom building, advancing the ideals of God's perspective + living that out here on earth. Consider Ephesians 4:2-3:

Be always humble, gentle, + patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. Do your best to preserve the unity, which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together.

Do not proselytize

It is enough to express your ideas, perspectives, thoughts. Let your concept + logic stand-alone. People will make up their minds. Though the nature of this site lends itself to evangelism; the purpose is informational. It is for the reader to decide on a matter based on the excellence of the idea, logic, + rhetoric presented. I believe that there are open-handed + closed-handed subjects in our faith. The general rule of thumb is that the Nicene Creed issues are closed handed- not up for debate. Other items, such as women teaching, are open-handed. One keeps you from reaching the Kingdom of Heaven, while the other is a matter of cultural context, taste, + preference.

Back up your amazing ideas, perspectives, + thoughts with significant data + facts

Finally, back up these fantastic ideas, views, + thoughts with supportive data + facts. Argue them in the same way. The goal is for all of us to learn, to see any plot holes in our logic.  Ultimately to move us to a more sure footing as we think further about the various perspectives that have concluded into our opinions.

Explore. Engage. Enjoy!