[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”1556355092″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416EjfhCR2L._SL160_.jpg” width=”107″]D. Brent Laytham – iPod, YouTube, WiiPlay
One of the best examples of Laytham’s fairness comes in the chapter where he discusses video games. Before reading the chapter I was ready for him to come out and condemn everything having to do with video games. This seems to be a popular thing to do and it is not relegated to one group. Politicians, intellectuals, parents and others have all offered their critique of this phenomenon. Instead Laytham begins by reminding the reader of how radio, cinema, television, and the Internet all received similar critiques when they first arrived. He then points out how these forms of entertainment were later embraced and celebrated. This defusing of the public rhetoric surrounding video games allows Laytham to discuss the subject in a fair and helpful way. He goes on to praise and critique video games, but one understands that he is not just jumping on a popular bandwagon.
In the final chapter, Love the Cinema, Hate the Sin?, Laytham explores how Christianity’s response to film has not always been helpful over the years. He breaks down the response into four categories: moralism, pelagianism, angelism, and dualism. He notes how most Christians and moviegoers have been happy with films that depict good vs. evil where good wins. Although these films are popular and they include some good things they are also simplistic and often unrealistic. Laytham suggests that we can learn more from films like, American Beauty, which offer depictions of sin, but also asks us to “look closer” and really see what is going on. If we are willing to go there then we would discover that “American Beauty intends to show the truth that beneath its glossy veneer, the American dream of suburban success is empty, ugly, and ultimately fatal” (188).
iPod, YouTube, Wii Play is an excellent and much needed book. Americans live within a thriving entertainment culture that most people take for granted. D. Brent Laytham asks us to open our eyes to the world around us, understand it, and question whether or not it is good or bad. Laytham is a helpful guide as one begins to explore this large and complex culture. He helps to ground the reader and challenges whoever picks up this book to think for themselves.
C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
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