Pop Goes Christianity: The deep contradictions of Christian popular culture - Interesting article from Slate.com - an interesting take on the problem of Christians and culture - I think it lacks some obvious theological nuance - but perhaps nuance that most Christians miss out on. The problem that is articulates is the difficulty of living internationally - how do we represent Jesus? - I'm guessing that it's NOT by creating a separate popular culture. 

The new generation of Christians is likely to be a different kind of audience. Raised on iPods and downloadable music, they find it difficult truly to commit to the idea of a separate Christian pop culture. They might watch Jon Stewart or Pulp Fiction and also listen to the Christian band Jars of Clay, assuming the next album is any good. They are much more critical consumers and excellent spotters of schlock. The creators of Christian pop culture may just adapt and ease up on the Jesus-per-minute count, and artistic quality might show some improvement. But in my experience, where young souls are at stake, Christian creators tend to balk. It's always been a stretch to defend Christian pop culture as the path to eternal salvation. Now, they may have to face up to the fact that it's more like an eternal oxymoron.