‘God Goes to the Movies’ is a challenging preaching series as the task of cultural analysis is a complex one. There is a lot to consider that makes up culture, and even more how people respond to culture as well. Perhaps we can easily underestimate how different generations experience popular culture too. For example, someone of Generation Z might positively engage with TikTok, yet someone of the Baby Boomers generation might not be interested but they prefer to engage with social media via Facebook.
At Windsor Road we are an intergenerational and multigenerational church which is such a strength because we will all see things differently. Yet, in this same vein, we have the potential to misunderstand each other because of our “generational blindspots”.
As I was reflecting on my last sermon about Interstellar, I took for granted that everyone viewed environmental issues like I did. Even as I talk about issues with people of my generation we share the same perspective and common concerns. This was a “generational blindspot” for me as a young preacher. I did not factor that others would think of this topic differently because they are of a different generation, with a different immediate culture and who engage with environmental issues differently. So when it comes to topics like this, I understand it is really important to consider the broader picture of what other people are thinking.
An easy way to do this, (besides having genuine conversation with each other) is to google! I searched ‘concerns of Gen Z’ and what resulted was very accurate to the common perspective of my generation – things we talk about, think about, worries that we are genuinely facing. I also googled concerns of Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, Gen Alpha, and the overview seemed accurate too. This was such an easy way for me to grasp what each generation might be facing and the cultural moment they are experiencing.
So if we are to engage with popular culture together, we need to factor in that we all approach culture differently. Research suggests a key way of moving forward and bridging the gap between generation is having empathy and humility where we take the time to appreciate the unique perspective of the other person. It involves respectful dialogue, listening, adapting and a willingness to have meaningful discussions.
Let’s find our unity in Christ and engage with our culture together!
Ash
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