Entertainment Theology: Last Reading Reflection

Theological Containers

The idea of participatory theological is an immense challenge for the church, especially the ones in leadership positions. This proposes that not all ministry has be done under the roof of the church but rather that theology is being done outside the church. For many leaders and pastors, this is something to be feared of. But I believe that if the church is able to practically and effectively take the church outside the church walls in ministering to neighbors and other communities, we will better fulfill the great commission of making disciples of all nation. This will also stretch all believers in the church to take into their own hands and create their own ministry. Christians are use to be fed, guided, and directed all within the church but isn't pushed outside the walls to participate and be creators of kingdom ministry. This will take a lot of faith and trust in God and people, but nonetheless i think the church would be more effective in their mission.

Making Signs

In this chapter, the church is challenged to reiterate the message of Jesus Christ in a postmodern world. Many of my experiences in churches have been that there is one central message that is repeated and stayed consistent. To reiterated and create multiple encodings for the Gospel messages seems like a difficult task and possibly dangerous. But I do believe that the message of the gospel can be expressed and told in various ways to various people groups, cultures, and societies. The church needs to be creative in sharing the Gospel message in ways in which it connects with the people, rather than sticking with messages they've given decades ago. The question the church needs to ask is how do we share Christ in todays culture and age? I believe the answer will be threatening to the church, but how should the church respond?

Final Thoughts

I believe this book did an amazing job in capturing today's attitude towards religion and spirituality. If the church is able to take even ideas and suggestions from this book, I think it will be in a spiritually healthier state. Of course, all ideas and suggestions need to be prayed over and discussed with leadership. But to ignore, what the author suggest would be ignorant and irresponsible. Decentralizing authority will be the biggest challenges for churches, especially Korean American, which is my background. The Korean American church is the epitome of centralize authority where the pastor literally and spiritually sits on a 'throne'. I am curious to see if the Korean American church can and will adjust their ministries in respect to the postmodern world. I pray that it does.