Jesus Christ preached and embodied a message of good news—what Christians call the gospel. This course is an introduction to where that gospel message is present—and where it is absent—in the popular culture of modern-day North America. By examining contemporary movies, books, music, and other cultural sources, students will learn more about the gospel message and how it still needs to be heard in our world. There is no homework or assignments but students will be encouraged to engage with certain cultural products during the course. Two thousand years after Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, this course will show how his gospel message is still profoundly relevant to the culture we inhabit.
Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Jesse Zink is principal of Montreal Diocesan Theological College and the author of several books about Christian faith in the 21st century, including A Faith for the Future.