Friday Conversation with Denis Haack

Denis Haack is editor of the fabulous Critique Magazine and director of Ransom Fellowship, a community of Christians trying to discern Christ's calling in contemporary culture. Haack writes on topics ranging from the new atheists to neo-pagan sexuality and reflects on the complexities of being a Christian in such a pluralistic society--going to the movies, being a good neighbor, engaging art, having a family, listening to music. His most provocative and thoughtful articles involve comparing life today with the old testament Jews in Babylonian exile. Here is a snippet from "Finding the True, Noble, and Pure in Babylon":

"If entertainment means allowing something which amuses us to wash over us as we relax and give ourselves mindlessly to it, then there is no place for entertainment in the Christian world and life view. We live in a fallen world. At no time can we cease to be discerning, whether watching a movie or the news, reading a book bought at amazon.com or at a Christian bookstore, undergoing training at work, or listening to a sermon. This does not mean that novels and films can not be enjoyed, but rather we must be discerning as we enjoy them. In fact, I would argue that the more we engage the book or painting or film or whatever thoughtfully and critically and biblically, the greater can be our enjoyment of it."

Here, in his standard fashion, he encourages and helps Christians to read both the Word and the world.

Bring a friend and join us as we enjoy pizza and talk with Denis.