4. Manna issue 92 - Pop Culture And Faith 流行文化與信仰
Sen Kee Ho—Singapore 新加坡 Sen Kee Ho
WHAT IS POP CULTURE? 何謂流行文化？
1. Popular culture (“pop culture”) is the set of practices, beliefs and cultural products
that are dominant in a particular society.
2. It has mass appeal and accessibility, and permeates the everyday life of the public.
3. Pop culture is often seen as a lower form of artistic expression.
Common categories are entertainment, sports, fashion, technology, and slang.
1. 大眾文化（“流行文化”）是一套行為、信仰和文化產物，
此文化在特定社會中，占據主導地位。
2.它具有大眾吸引力，而且很容易就能接觸，並且會滲透到大家的日常生活中。
3. 流行文化通常被視為一種低等的藝術表現形式。
常見的類別是，娛樂、體育運動、時尚、科技和流行語。
Ashley Crossman, “Sociological Definition of Popular Culture,” ThoughtCo., last modified
December 9, 2019, https://www.thoughtco.com/popular-culture-definition-3026453.
Ashley Crossman，“流行文化的社會學定義”，ThoughtCo.，最後修訂，
2019 年 12 月 9 日，https://www.thoughtco.com/popular-culture-definition-3026453
WHY TALK ABOUT POP CULTURE? 為何探討流行文化？
WWW.POP-CULTURE.COM
The way we interact with pop culture reflects
who we are and our thoughts and values.
我們與流行文化互動的方式反映了，
我們的角色，以及我們的思想和價值觀。
The music we listen to reveals what kind of lyrics and rhythms excite us.
The books we read reveal what type of stories and themes we enjoy.
The clothes we wear express our values and the identity we wish to project.
我們聽的音樂，顯示了什麼樣的歌詞和節奏，會使我們興奮。
我們閱讀的書籍，顯示了我們喜歡什麼樣的故事和主題。
我們所穿的衣服表達了，我們的價值觀，和我們希望投射出來的身份認同。
Pop culture has real effects on our everyday life
and how we see ourselves in relation to others.
The culture we consume shapes our hearts and minds.
流行文化對我們的日常生活，會產生真正的影響，
以及我們如何看待，自己與別人的關係。
我們表現的文化，塑造了我們的心靈。
The ideas and values within pop culture permeate our lives,
both consciously and subconsciously.
流行文化的思想和價值觀，滲進到我們的生活中，
不論我們有意識去接收，或是潛意識不知不覺而接收。
In a media-saturated society, the books we read, the movies we watch,
the clothes we wear, and the music we listen to
—what we consume, enjoy, admire, or dislike
—are heavily influenced by what’s TRENDING.
在一個媒體飽和的社會裡，我們讀的書，看的電影，
穿的服飾，聆聽的音樂，
—我們所使用、享受、羨慕，或是不喜歡的事物，
—都深受流行趨勢的影響。
But are these TRENDS against our faith and biblical teachings?
但這些趨勢有沒有違背了我們的信仰和聖經的教導呢？
‧ Are they as harmless or mindless as what we perceive them to be?
‧ Do we unthinkingly accept them, not discerning which ones are contrary to Christian values?
‧ Do we seamlessly blend in, or are we distinctly different from people of the world?
‧ 它們是不是，像我們所認為的那樣有益無害，或是沒有惡意呢？
‧ 我們是否不假思索地接受了它們，沒有去辨別哪些項目，有違背基督教價值觀呢？
‧ 我們是無縫接軌自然就融入，還是與世人表現截然不同呢？
Besides discerning what’s right and wrong, and not engaging in unwholesome pop culture:
除了辨別是非，不參加有害的流行文化之外：
‧ How can we engage in pop culture that helps us grow in faith?
‧ How can we engage in pop culture that lets others know about Jesus Christ?
‧ 我們如何加入流行文化，才有助於我們在信仰中成長？
‧ 我們怎樣加入流行文化，才能讓別人知道耶穌基督？
IMPACT OF POP CULTURE? 流行文化的衝擊？
POSITIVE / NEGATIVE 正面與反面
POSITIVE 正面
‧ Brings people together across geographical, social, and generational lines.
‧ Builds and strengthens bonds between people who are into similar things,
e.g., K Pop, environmental issues.
‧ Diverse representation in the media helps people to be more accepting towards marginalized groups.
‧ Tools for raising awareness and bringing to light various social issues and injustices.
‧ 跨越地域、社會和世代的界限，將人們聚集在一起。
‧ 建立強化志同道合團體之間的連結，
例如，K Pop、環保問題。
‧ 在媒體以多元化的方式表達呼籲，有助於大家更容易接受那些邊緣化的群體。
‧ 提高大家注意，並揭露各種社會問題及不公義的工具。
POSITIVE EXAMPLES 正面例子
1. Previously unknown individuals whose stories or activism inspire positive change in society.
2. Different civil and political movements have used online platforms
to increase the awareness of injustices
carried out against underrepresented and disempowered groups around the world.
3. Celebrities and famous individuals speaking out to educate the public about COVID-19.
4. People have come to know about Christianity through popular Christian music.
1. 以前不為人知的個小人物，他們的故事或行動主義，激發了社會的積極變化。
2. 不同的公民政治運動已經使用了網路平台，
來提高大家注意不公義的事物，
那些發生在世界各地，他們因為代表性不足，以及被剝奪權利的群體，所被忽略的事件。
3. 名星名人大聲疾呼，來教導大眾認識新冠病毒。
4. 大家通過流行基督教音樂，已經認識了基督教。
NEGATIVE 反面
‧ Just as pop culture can be used to spread good, it can be used to spread bad.
‧ As pop culture becomes more globalized and homogenized,
thousands of local cultures and traditions are being supplanted and erased.
Sadly, local youths will see their own rich cultures
as inferior to the behemoth of global pop culture.
‧ 就像流行文化可以用來傳播好的事物一樣，它也可以用來傳播壞的東西。
‧ 隨著流行文化變得更加全球化和同質化，
數以千計的地區性文化和傳統正被取代抹去。
可悲的是，當地年輕人把自己豐富的文化視為，
不如龐然大物的全球流行文化。
NEGATIVE EXAMPLES 反面例子
1. Children and young teens being exposed to inappropriate content before they are mentally and emotionally ready.
2. The depiction of violence, blood and gore can have serious psychological repercussions,
especially on young children.
3. The normalization of ungodly behavior,
e.g., the softening stance towards drugs, pre-marital sex, abortion, LGBTQ issues.
4. The difficulty of distinguishing reality from fantasy,
and how the world really is compared to how it is presented in fictional universes.
1. 兒童青少年的心理情感成熟之前，接觸到不適當的內容。
2. 對暴力血腥的描寫，會產生嚴重的心理持續反應，
尤其是年幼的孩子。
3. 不敬虔行為的習以為常，
例如，對毒品、婚前性行為、墮胎、LGBTQ 議題的立場軟化。
4.有困難區分現實與幻想，
以及比較世界的真實情況，與虛構宇宙是如何被描繪呈現的。
IMPACT OF POP CULTURE ON OUR FAITH 流行文化對信仰的衝擊
IS POP CULTURE BAD FOR OUR FAITH? 流行文化對我們的信仰有害？
HOME 家庭
Pop culture is ever-present in our daily lives.
Some of it is positive or neutral,
while much of it runs contrary to our Christian faith.
流行文化一直存在於日常生活中。
其中有些是積極或中性的，
然而其中大部分與我們的基督教信仰，南轅北轍。
DESKTOP 桌面
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world,
but that You should keep them from the evil one.
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
(Jn 17:15–16)
15我不求你叫他們離開世界，只求你保守他們脫離那惡者（或作：脫離罪惡）。
16他們不屬世界，正如我不屬世界一樣。
(約 17：15-16)
DOCUMENTS 文件
As Christians in this world, we should not hide ourselves and become hermits.
Yet, the Lord Jesus tells us to preserve ourselves and be set apart from this world.
作為世界上的基督徒，我們不應該隱藏自己，成為隱士。
然而，主耶穌告訴我們要保守自己，與這個世界分開。
SETTINGS 設定
When exposed to and engaged with pop culture, we should in every way
當接觸參與流行文化時，我們應該以各種方式，
[Cast] down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
(2 Cor 10:5)
5將各樣的計謀，各樣攔阻人認識神的那些自高之事，一概攻破了，又將人所有的心意奪回，使他都順服基督。
(林後 10：5)
PROGRAMS 程式
We learn and make a conscious effort to discern, muster moral courage to reject what is wrong,
accept what is good, and stand firm for what is right.
們學習有意識的努力辨視，鼓起道德勇氣拒絕錯誤的事物，
接受良善的事情，堅持正確的理念。
HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN RESPOND TO POP CULTURE?
基督如何應對流行文化？
ILLUMINATE 發光
‧ Matthew 5:13–16:
Jesus wants us to be the “salt” and “light” of society,
which flavors and preserves His social order.
‧ 馬太福音 5 章 13-16 節:
耶穌希望我們成為社會的“鹽”和“光”，
它產生不同的特質，維護了神要的社會秩序。
‧ Christians should be discerning about the prevailing worldview,
in order to take captive every thought in obedience to Jesus Christ,
and not be taken captive by deceitful philosophies
(Col 2:6–8).
‧ 基督徒應該辨別流行的世界思想，
為了折服每一種想法，來順服耶穌基督，
而不被欺哄人的哲學所屈服
（西 2：6-8）。
DISCERN 分辨是非
‧ Distinguish good from evil (Heb 5:14).
‧ Face the trials of living in a culture
that is increasingly hostile to biblical teaching:
ask God to give us wisdom
(Jas 1:5).
‧ Use biblical principles and common sense to judge how to engage with today’s culture.
‧ 分辨善惡（來 5：14）。
‧ 面對生活文化的考驗，
這種文化逐漸敵視聖經教導：
求神賜給我們智慧
（雅 1：5）。
‧ 使用聖經原則和常識，來判斷如何參與現今的文化。
ENGAGE
‧ Identify the good aspects of popular culture and use these as a bridge to God’s truth.
‧ Acts 17: Paul studied the religious beliefs of his day.
In his speech before the Athenians,
he quoted from their own pagan poets.
‧ He discerned what was true within their pagan worldview
and used that as a starting point
to present what they had been missing concerning God, man, and salvation.
‧ 找出流行文化的優點，並用這些優點作為探討神真理的橋樑。
‧ 使徒行傳 17章：保羅研究了他那個時代的宗教信仰。
在雅典人面前的演講中，
引用了他們自己的異教詩人。
‧ 他分辨了他們異教世界觀裡的真實觀點，
並以那個觀點為出發點，
來提出他們一直沒有討論到的主題，神、人和救贖。
HOW DID PAUL ENGAGE? 保羅是如何進行的呢？
PAUL 保羅
‧ Paul was greatly distressed, yet impressed by their religiosity
(Acts 17:16, 22).
‧ He acknowledges that they are religious,
but do not know Who they are worshipping
(Acts 17:22–23).
‧ He explained the concept that God is not a thing created by human hands.
God has absolute authority and has determined that man should seek Him
(Acts 17:26–28).
‧ Paul offered proof by stating the resurrection of Christ and judgment after death
(Acts 17:31).
‧ He concluded by saying God forgives their ignorance,
and they should come to know Him.
‧ 保羅深感苦惱，但對他們的虔誠深受感動
(徒 17：16，22)。
‧ 他承認他們很虔誠，
但卻不知道他們在敬拜誰
（徒 17：22-23）。
‧ 他解釋了，神不是人手所創造的概念。
神有絕對的權柄，並且定意人們要尋求祂
（徒 17：26-28）。
‧ 保羅以基督的復活和死後的審判，作為證據
（徒 17：31）。
‧ 他最後說，神會寬恕他們的無知，
他們應該來認識祂。
ALERT! 警告！
Our guiding principle is not: “Is this permissible?”
Instead, we should ask,
“Does it draw me closer to God,
or pull me away from Him?
Does it edify man and glorify God?”
我們的指導原則不是：“這有許可嗎？”
相反的，我們應該問
“這樣作是否有讓我更靠近神呢，
還是會把我從神身邊拉開？
這事能造就人嗎？，會榮耀神嗎？”
YES NO 是 否
CONCLUSION 結論
As society evolves, so do the trends of the world.
The trends may change, but the motivation behind each lies at the core of human nature.
The Bible does not explicitly name and state which trends we can follow.
But God gave us timeless principles, and the Holy Spirit,
to help us navigate through life’s journey.
隨著社會的發展，世界的潮流也在發展。
潮流可能會發生變化，但每種潮流背後的動機，都存在於人性的核心。
聖經沒有明確指出說明，我們可以仿效哪些潮流。
但是神給了我們永恆的原則和聖靈，
幫助我們度過人生的旅程。
Q&A 問答集
FILE EDIT VIEW SEARCH ________ 檔案 編輯 檢視 搜尋 ________
Q1)Can I listen to Christian pop songs?
Q1) 我可以聽基督教流行歌曲嗎？
A) The Bible gives no clear guidance on listening to Christian pop music.
There is nothing wrong with consuming popular Christian media,
but there are a few things worth noting:
A) 對於聽基督教流行音樂，聖經沒有給出明確的指引。
消磨時光欣賞流行基督教媒體，並沒有錯，
但有幾點值得注意：
Are we drawn to the song because of a sense of euphoria?
我們是否因為一種興奮感，而被這首歌曲所吸引？
Are people attracted to the faith
because the high energy music makes them feel close to God?
人們有沒有被信仰所吸引，
是因為情緒高亢的音樂，讓他們感覺接近神嗎？
Some songs contain false teachings,
and the churches that produce them promote unbiblical beliefs and practices.
有些歌曲包含了錯誤的教導，
以及創作歌曲的教會，提倡不合聖經的信仰行為。
Much of Christian pop culture is intertwined and highly influenced by the mainstream pop culture of the world.
許多基督教流行文化，與世界主流的流行文化相互糾纏不清，並受到高度的影響。
Q2) Can I read fan fiction?
Q2) 我可以閱讀同人小說嗎？(跟據原作的衍生作品)
A) Fan fiction is written by fans of popular books and media,
in which they imagine alternative storylines based on their own fantasies.
Some are innocent and harmless stories,
while some are violent, dark, and sexual in nature, diverging far from their original source material.
A）同人小說是由流行書籍和媒體的粉絲所撰寫的，
作品是他們根據自己的幻想，想像另外的故事情節。
有些是天真無害的故事，
而有些本質上是充滿暴力、黑暗和性誘惑的，與它們原始來源的作品差別很大。
Many indulge in fan fiction, and fiction in general,
to imagine what it would be like to live in an alternative reality,
to lead a different life.
Being in the flesh, we constantly struggle with our sinful nature.
Here are a few questions to reflect on,
which also apply to the general pop culture and media we consume:
有許多人沉迷於同人小說，及一般小說，
可以想像，生活在另一個現實社會中，會是什麼情況，
過著不同的生活。
身具肉體，我們不斷與自已的罪性爭鬥。
這裡有幾個問題可以反思，
這也適用於我們打發時間，去接觸一般流行文化和媒體的情況：
1. What effect does it have on our mind, desires, and spiritual life?
2. Does it bring us closer to God?
3. Does it pull us away from our Christian values?
1. 它對我們的心思、慾望和屬靈生活有什麼影響呢？
2. 它能使我們更加接近神嗎？
3. 它會讓我們遠離自已的基督教價值觀嗎？
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