A Biblical worldview and the popular culture
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” -Romans 12:2
We are surrounded by the popular culture with radio, TV, social media in every environment of our life. It is like being thrown into the deep end of the pool and we’re trying to find a safe way out. To tackle this topic I decided to talk to Michael Medved, someone who studies and comments on this regularly.
Michael has written more than 15 books and has a daily radio talk show that discusses movies and topics in our culture. Michael has hosted a show on CNN about movies in the ’80s and co-hosted the show Sneak Previews, originated by Siskel and Ebert, with Jeffrey Lyons for 12 years. Michael entered Yale as a 16-year-old undergraduate and received his B.A. with honors. He volunteered for the 1968 presidential campaign of Robert Kennedy and was present at his assassination but also campaigned for Ronald Reagan in 1980. This was going to be an interesting conversation!
Michael, you were active in politics in ’68 with the assassination of Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy and the riots of that year. How would you describe the current culture in America?
Bob, it is ugly, destructive and as bleak as anytime since the late 1960s. We are so polarized that there is no room for accommodation or alternate opinions — or more importantly, understanding and grace. Whether you are a coach of the Redskins, a NY Times editor or a director of a fine arts museum, you can be driven from your job. We grew up where the values were clear and shared. We all watched “Leave it to Beaver” or “The Lone Ranger” and we were taught virtue and examples of family stability. So much of our entertainment is crude or dark and totally secular.
This is a time of lockdown when people are “binging” on social media and series on Netflix. What is your opinion of the current crop of entertainment?
In every realm of artistic endeavor, we see the rejection of traditional standard of beauty and truth. Ugliness has been enshrined as a new standard. We accept the ability to shock as a replacement for the old ability to inspire. There are exceptions and the new movie that is now on Apple+ is “Greyhound” with Tom Hanks. It was supposed to be in theaters and COVID forced it to streaming. Tom Hanks put this together from a book by C.S. Forester entitled “The Good Shepherd” and it is an inspiring story set in the Atlantic during WWII.
I saw that movie and you are right — it is like a movie from the 1950s! I didn’t realize that Tom Hanks was responsible for bringing it to life.
Tom also was responsible for the TV series “John Adams” that was terrific also. Without Tom that series would not have been done and everyone needs to see that if they haven’t already.
Harry Truman liked to say that the only new thing in the world is the history you don’t know. Michael, your latest book, “God’s Hand on America,” is a wonderful history and one of my favorite books. As an orthodox Jew you bring out God’s hand in our history and when the founders referred to “providence” they believed it also. How do we stop the noise from the culture and look back and above for direction?
We have too much quantity! Maybe the COVID has made it worse with people locked down and turning to social media and streaming shows. The average person spends 30 hours a week on some device. It is time to walk, read, talk to your family or visit your neighbors. We are living longer but if you watch an “average” amount of television that will take up 14 years of your life. This is a grim message to put on your tombstone! Our family observes shabbat or the sabbath each week and we do not allow any media to be turned on. We take this time, 25 hours, to read, be with family and spend time in the Word. But absolutely nothing to take away from this time, a time for “shalom” or peace.
Michael, it seems that you are saying it is within the power of the individual to make up their own mind about the things that will bring true peace and happiness. While the cultural clatter is great, the things that matter most are few. Since the ‘60s we have denied spiritual values but I believe there is a new yearning and longing for meaning. Observing that “shabbat” or sabbath might be that first step! Thank you for your time and insight. If people want to know more about your books or radio show or podcast, they can go to your website, michaelmedved.com.
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Bob’s religion columns appear Saturdays in The Press. Email Bob: bjshill@mac.com
