Plugged In

There are now plenty of books calling us to find new ways of connecting our gospel presentation to the needs and questions of people in a secular, pluralistic society. Dan's book actually tells and shows us how to do it. There really is nothing else like it.

As Western culture abandons more and more of its Judeao-Christian roots, it is becoming ever more important to think carefully about how to respond. Especially is it important not to withdraw from the surrounding culture as far as we can, nor to identify with the surrounding culture, but to learn how, as Christians, we can engage the culture, not least by making clear the Bible's storyline as the true alternative to everything else on offer. Daniel Strange offers both theological reasons for learning such skills, and practical guidance for getting there.

In this gem of a book seasoned author Daniel Strange manages what few people could do. He pre-digests the unwieldy and complex realm of culture studies and makes it unaffectedly clear. He also helps Christians know how to navigate in a world where culture appears out of control. He connects the decisions we must make to biblical texts, and to robust doctrines all along. Most of all he tells us why we should care about engaging culture and he makes crucial suggestions for how to do that. All of it is in a writing style that is full of imagination, enviably lucid, down-home without being folksy. This will be the go-to text for years, even decades to come.

We all spend hours each week watching, reading and listening. Not only does this add up to a significant proportion of our lives, but it’s also a big influence on how we think and behave. So it’s vital we think about how being a Christian shapes the way we interact with the culture around us and I know of no better guide than Plugged In. Dan Strange provides both a biblical framework and practical nuts-and-bolts tools. But Plugged In goes further, for it shows how culture can be a great starting point for speaking of Christ with our friends and colleagues. I warmly commend it.

At a time when many Christians feel disempowered in an increasingly individualistic and secular society, this book is both thought provoking and practical. It provides a timely reminder that Christ is Lord of Culture and that his followers are called to engage in a truthful and gracious way. By using Scripture and “sanctified common sense” Daniel Strange skilfully guides the reader on a journey to both confront and connect with what they see around them in the media, film and television. A much needed book!

A clear and practical challenge to engage in sharing the gospel in our culture. Inspiring and biblical, buy Plugged In today and apply the truth in these pages to your everyday context.

In an era where the term "cultural engagement" makes some cringe and others whoop for joy, Dan Strange brings balance and clarity. He takes his role as "public theologian" seriously: bringing Christian truth into the public square, and equipping ordinary Christians to do the same. Without sacrificing depth or nuance, he makes the issues accessible to the layman. It's a fun read, traversing cultural landscapes as diverse as bird watching, adult relaxation coloring books, zombies, football, and Japanese toilets. And what's more, he shows how each of these carries its own theological challenge, and how we can respond as Christians in ways that are winsome and gracious, rather than crusty and insular. I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in digging deeper into the cultural world that surrounds us and our non-Christian neighbors.

I have known Dan Strange for over 20 years. As a fellow theologian I have always admired his wisdom, his passion for the gospel and his biblical knowledge and insights. All of these traits are on display in this compelling new book. As a friend I have always valued his grace over issues we see very differently, and I always find his perspective challenging and engaging. Whatever your take on the relationship between Christianity and culture, I encourage you to hear Dan’s brilliant contribution to this important discussion.

Dan Strange has brilliantly written a compelling, biblically rich and decidedly practical guide to engaging Christianly with culture. I’m confident that this book will be significant in shaping the culture making and engagement of Christians in the 21st century church. I’m particularly excited about putting it into the hands or onto the tablets of the rising generations.

"No one stops to think" lamented the prophet Isaiah. If they did, they’d surely realise the folly of idolatry. In this book, Dan Strange helps us to "stop and think": to consider all that we see and hear and do through the lens of Scripture. Jesus is Lord of all of life, and that includes our response to culture. We are helped to appreciate God’s everyday grace in the world around us, but also the horror of rebellion against God and the sin of failing to give him thanks. This book is designed to equip this generation of Christ’s people to engage faithfully with the culture around us for God’s glory.