Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foreword / Kevin J. Vanhoozer -- Introduction: Is there anything to say? -- The meaning dimension: Culture as immune system -- The power dimension: Culture as power play -- The ethical dimension: Culture as moral boundary -- The religious dimension: Culture as sacred experience -- The aesthetic dimension: Culture as poetic project -- Conclusion: The lived dimension: The difficulties of doing cultural theology -- Appendix: Looking through the lenses: Questions to ask about cultural artifacts.

''Whether we interpret Scripture or culture, it matters what we do, not just what we think or feel. How do we live with our interpretation, and how do we live it out? This book helps us understand how culture forms us as political actors, moves us aesthetically, shapes the rhythms of our lives, and connects (or disconnects) us from God and neighbors we are called to love. The goal is to be equipped to engage culture with greater fluency and fidelity in response to the triune God. This short, accessible introduction to the conversation between theology and culture offers a patient, thoughtful, and theologically attuned approach to cultural discernment. It helps us grow our interpretive skill by training our intuition and giving us a slower, more deliberate approach that accounts for as much of the complexity of culture as possible. The book explores 5 dimensions of culture -- meaning, power, morality, religion, and aesthetic -- and shows how each needs the others and all need theology. Each chapter includes distinctive practices for spiritual formation and practical application.''-- Provided by publisher.

"This accessibly written book offers an approach to cultural engagement that is attentive to the hunger for meaning, beauty, and justice and governed by the gospel virtues of faith, love, and hope"-- Provided by publisher.