By Andrew Peterson
Synod Executive Committee Member
Family of God Lutheran, Brooklyn Park
“This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” (Matthew 13:13 ESV)
I co-lead a young adult Bible study group. We’ve explored the Psalms, Hebrews, and Exodus, as well as some theme-specific Bible Study guides. What I have observed during these studies is that conversations become livelier when we use Bible passages and discuss how they relate to our day-to-day lives. We look at how God has an active role in our work, interpersonal relationships, our favorite hobbies, and pop culture. We have brought up VeggieTales, Disney movies, music, books, sports, and other activities, and found connective threads tied to Scripture.
With these connections between hobbies and the Bible, I believe these movies, books, TV shows, sporting events, songs, and hobbies we participate in can be discussed as modern parables to help young believers and nonbelievers alike understand God’s Word. These various storytelling formats can complement Scripture with themes and people that have aspects of living as a follower and believer of Jesus through visual performance, lyrics, and/or interactions with a community. It can also bring attention to the dangers of living in this fallen, sinful world and echo warnings from the prophets, apostles, and Jesus. Now, this analysis cannot be complete without calling back to Scripture and a dedicated discussion of discernment with other equally-yoked believers, but this is an underutilized avenue through which God can speak to us that we can explore through small groups, study, or even congregational activity.
Jesus used parables because they helped those who heard them understand His teachings by using scenes of everyday living from that time. Taking this same view to see Jesus’ teachings in today’s popular culture, especially as generations of us young adults, teenagers, and children regularly consume it, it can shed God’s light on our lives and help in the practice of sustained Godly thinking. I wonder how much more in-step with my faith I could have been earlier in life if I had had discussions exploring how the Avengers movies, Minnesota Vikings football, Fall Out Boy songs, and my fascination with military history could help me think on Scripture and Christ’s ministry. By viewing popular culture as “21st Century Parables,” it can allow for open discussions about themes in Scripture such as good vs. evil, oppression, addiction, doubt, love, death, spiritual warfare, and others that can take spiritual growth beyond conventional study and church activity without having to be defined explicitly as “Christian.” Embracing these discussions on media culture can connect daily interactions to Scripture and allow space for difficult conversations that can help young adults through their faith journey and strengthen their relationship with God.