Karl Rahner

A Matrix of Meanings

World Religions

“on American currency. Pop culture returns the favor, offering God prominent billing, from Lauryn Hill’s sublime song “To Zion” to Jim Carrey in Bruce Almighty. When the St. Louis Rams’ quarterback Kurt Warner points a finger upward after a Super Bowl touchdown pass, sports fans join him in praising his Lord, whether implicitly or explicitly. Jesus makes regular guest appearances in all arenas of popular culture, including irreverent television shows such as South Park. God haunts the work of controversial Nigerian artist Chris Ofili. Theology and pop culture seem to have a mutual attraction and an intimate interrelationship. Do not let a “serious” word like theology scare you. Theology involves talking about God, something you, your friends, and your music are already engaged in. We’re all theologians to some degree, whether we realize it or not. The Door magazine named Buffy the Vampire Slayer its 2002 “theologian of the year.” In this book, we want to look at theology through the lens of “Bartender, please fill my glass with the wine you gave Jesus that set him free,” common grace claims another platinum record. Common grace subverts preconceived notions of how, when, and through whom God chooses to communicate. It makes God bigger and the evangelist’s burden lighter. In this book, we will search for today’s burning bushes, talking donkeys, pillaging Chaldeans, dishonest tax collectors, and seemingly voiceless stones. We will look in surprising and humorous places to discover God’s unlikeliest saints. We hope you will also find them, as we have, spiritually nurturing. For ministers, missionaries, and those inside the church, pop culture can be our new best friend. For skeptics, scoffers, and doubters, both inside and outside the church, beware—ever subversive pop culture might be pointing you toward the divine. For those who find themselves regularly moved to tears, rage, and laughter via movies, music, or TV, welcome home. We’re here to confirm what we all inherently sense—that something big, brash, and shockingly spiritual is happening. Defining Popular Culture Culture is what your butcher would have if he were a surgeon. Mary Pettibone Poole What is popular culture? Most of us have a rough idea from the very phrase itself, but some clarification will help for the sake of our discussion. Scholars generally make distinctions between popular culture and high or “elite” culture. High culture traditionally merited the most academic and scholastic attention. The word culture was reserved for human works of only the highest sophistication and quality. A symphony orchestra qualified, while a rock group did not. Analysts of popular culture use broader definitions of the word culture, making fewer value, taste, or quality judgments. Movies, cartoons, The very commonness of everyday things harbors the eternal marvel and silent mystery of God.”

The Spiritual Exercises and the Ignatian Mystical Horizon

Theology

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)