The End of LOST & 24

Recently, 2 popular television series ended. I was a neither a fan or regular watcher of either LOST (ABC) or 24 (FOX). Millions of people are. I was told, however, that the series' finales both offered up a decent dose of sermon illustrations. Maybe that is true.

But it sort of brings up a larger question. Do I need to see everything to be truly culturally attuned? I don't think so.

The drawback, of course, is being accused of not liking something, taking offense, and reacting when you have not seen it. This, unfortunately, is rampant in Christian circles. What I am trying to say, is that you run the risk of operating solely on the principle of "someone told me to be offended, so I am". But then again, you also run the risk of praising something you have no clue about (as in Mark Twain's definition of a classic).

What about you? were you a fan of either of these shows? If so, how did/does it affect your preaching? Do you feel the need to check out every reference you preach on or criticize?

Preaching & Air McNair

Former NFL QB Steve McNair was not an artist in the conventional sense. To my knowledge he did not create a painting, sculptures, films, or works of literature. But he was an artist in the broader sense. In other words, he used his athletic ability to create things which did inspire us. There is much to interpret about his life and career which can admire and make use of in sermons.

His tragic murder, however, presents the preacher with an interesting problem. How proclaim the Gospel (and it appears that McNair was a believer), how to announce comfort to the bereaved, and yet still acknowledge the horrible circumstances surrounding his death.

Preachers and pastors have to deal with this all the time. I thought McNair's own pastor did a fine job when he told the congregation, "Put down the stone."

So, I will put it to you, in the hopes of starting a good discussion. Imagine McNair was one of your members. How would you deal with the issue homiletically?