pop culture Archives

Alabama, George W. Bush and a Note

Alabama faces off against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl tonight, a marquee match-up, to be sure, but not quite what the defending national champion Crimson Tide squad anticipated back in early December when they lost a heartbreaker to rival Auburn.

Following Auburn’s unexpected victory, much of the attention centered around Alabama kicker Cade Foster, who missed three field goals in the game. In fact, he struggled so much, he was benched, and the chance for a game-winning kick was awarded to his freshman teammate.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture January 2, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Duck Dynasty is Controversial? So is the Gospel.

The buzz surrounding Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson is growing after it was announced last night that he was being put on “indefinite hiatus” from his incredibly popular show on A&E.

Television executives made the move after Robertson’s quotes during an interview with GQ Magazine were recently published. [Caution: Graphic language] In the course of the wide-ranging discussion, Robertson talked about sin and homosexuality. He also paraphrased a Scripture passage from 1 Corinthians 6 and expressed in rather indelicate terms the anatomical realities of homosexuality.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, faith, pop culture, religious liberty December 19, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: This Commercial Captures Parenting’s “Big Picture”

This ad from Coca-Cola Argentina captures the contradictory nature of parenting better than anything I’ve seen in a long time.

It also does a marvelous job of capturing the splendor of marriage and raising children.

Let’s face it. Parenting can certainly play to the extremes. In one Facebook status update a mom can share about her challenging day homeschooling but two hours later post a picture of her kids with a caption suggesting parenting is the most rewarding thing she’s ever done.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting, pop culture December 18, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why Did This Painting Sell for $46 Million?

Norman Rockwell was originally paid $3,500 for the painting, a detailed illustration of an older woman and a young boy bowing their heads in prayer over a meal in the middle of a crowded restaurant. It first appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1951.

And just last week the 62-year-old masterpiece, “Saying Grace,” sold at auction for $46 million.

I don’t pretend to be an art connoisseur or an expert when it comes to the valuation of the art market.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture December 9, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What Haunts Me this Halloween

Halloween is a volatile topic with many Christians, and for good reason. Its origins are pagan and disturbing. And yet, it seems to be growing in popularity on all fronts. From plastic front-lawn tombstones to inflatable monsters (and all the candy), Americans are expected to spend nearly $7 billion this year on the holiday.

Seven billion!

Nevertheless, when it comes to Oct. 31, as a Christian, you probably fall into one of three camps.

1. Enjoy It

You grew up trick-or-treating and wearing the Superman costume.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, family, humor, pop culture October 31, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Could You Do Without This for 24 Hours?

Have you ever noticed how culture glorifies multi-tasking and busyness? Lately, it seems we’re trying to accomplish more than ever in shorter and shorter periods of time. We buy faster and more efficient technology and install apps on our phones in the hopes of getting ahead.

In fact, some will even admit to a rush that comes from simultaneously answering emails, talking on the phone and scanning Facebook.

But what happens when we do all of this from the kitchen countertop as we serve our children their morning cereal?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, pop culture, technology October 29, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

“Focus Findings” is Where Research Meets Common Sense

We’ve probably all been there – we’re scanning a news article online or watching a story on a magazine news show and we see something that just stops us cold. It’s a declaration presented in fact, and even backed up by “research” that you know is at odds with what Scripture teaches.

“Christian marriages end in divorce at the same rates as all other marriages, so what does it matter if you don’t marry a believer?”
“Marriage is an outdated institution that demeans women.”
“Everyone knows kids do just as well when they’re raised by same-sex parents as by their biological parents.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, family, kids, pop culture October 3, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: What Are You Known For?

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and tell a story via video that will be shown at this year’s Catalyst conference in Atlanta, Ga. If you’re not familiar with Catalyst, it’s an organization that works to shape the next generation of leaders. Its annual conferences have drawn more than 100,000 young men and women eager to learn how to serve and lead others in a Christlike way. My friend, Brad Lomenick, heads up the movement and does a great job of bringing together people this next generation needs to hear.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: church, events, pop culture October 2, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

School’s Back in Session, and Values are Put to the Test

It’s back-to-school time. Kids are filling their backpacks with their new supplies. Parents are taking pictures of smiling children before waving goodbye. Teachers are welcoming their new students. It’s time for these youngsters to learn reading, ’riting and … sexually explicit lessons? The promotion of same-sex relationships and gender confusion? Negative portrayals of some religious beliefs?

Sound a bit too alarmist?

Sadly, that’s what is going to be the case for students in too many classrooms across the nation.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, kids, news, parenting, pop culture August 21, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: Watch the Duck Dynasty Wedding

The 12 million viewers who tuned into this week’s Duck Dynasty season premiere, got more than laughs – they got a lesson in true love and commitment.

In the episode, Phil and Kay, the Robertson clan’s patriarch and matriarch, finally had the wedding ceremony they missed out on when they were married almost 50 years ago. While the episode had its expected hijinks and redneck jokes, the wedding ceremony itself was heartfelt.

To be sure, Phil and Kay aren’t your typical Hollywood characters, so they make for unconventional centerpieces of a highly-rated TV show’s main love story…and yet they are.

Topics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, marriage, pop culture August 16, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura