Managing Things Differently: Living Christianity In Culture

Managing Things Differently: Living Christianity In Culture

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV).

Photo | Votive candles in Yerevan, Armenia | courtesy of Vyacheslav Argenberg, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Photo | Votive candles in Yerevan, Armenia | courtesy of Vyacheslav Argenberg, Wikimedia Creative Commons

We start a new year with vigor and personal intent. Seizing the new moments on the calendar to move from past actions, give an honest survey of how we can better ourselves, and delve with enthusiasm into a new direction.

“According to a 2023 poll from Forbes Health, the statistics on how long people maintain their New Year’s resolutions are as follows: Less than 1 month: 8% of respondents, 1 to 2 months: 21.9%, 2 to 3 months: 22.2%, 3 to 4 months: 13.1%, Only 1% reported that their resolutions lasted for 11 to 12 months” (WGGB/WSHM in MSNBC News, January 2026).

The hustle and bustle of daily life in a super-saturated media environment takes a toll on the mind, body, and spirit. Even the facts attempt to work against the personal grain. If we lean into the value of life, completed in the mind, body, and spirit, we can work smarter rather than harder.

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands” (Acts 17:26–27 NKJV).

Reading Over Time

“Many people express that finding time to read the Bible is challenging due to various factors. According to a survey, 39% of American adults engage with the Bible only three or four times a year, indicating a significant lack of regular reading habits. Additionally, 53% of Americans want to read the Bible more often, citing time constraints as a primary reason for not doing so” (The Crossing Church, January 11, 2023).

The numbers speak for themselves. Many of us want to do more to remain fixed on the Word, but the external digital and physical social distractions draw attention in alternative directions.

“The reason we can’t find time for the Bible is the same reason we can’t find time to read 200 books. We don’t love it. We’d rather spend the 15 or 20 minutes it takes to read our Bible, doing what we love: email, Netflix, sports, video games, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or shopping.

“You don’t have a time problem. You have a self-deception problem. You think you want to read, but your heart doesn’t really desire God’s word. Instead, you’re buying the lie you’re telling yourself” (The Crossing Church, January 11, 2023).

The rationale is that if we allot a portion of the 1,642 hours a year to watching TV, 608 hours a year to social media, or the average 819 hours a year simply looking at our phones, the prescribed 15 minutes two or three times a week is a start to overcome the top two reasons why 53% of Americans say they are not able to engage with scripture, a lack of time and a lack of confidence (Katy Howard, January 2025).

Photo | Bryson Gray, Christian Hip Hop artist, at a podcast interview, 2021 | courtesy of That's NOT Christian! podcast, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Photo | Bryson Gray, Christian Hip Hop artist, at a podcast interview, 2021 | courtesy of That’s NOT Christian! podcast, Wikimedia Creative Commons

When Culture Meets Christianity: Christianity In Culture

Modern times bring multiple avenues of listening, reading, and learning scripture. Utilizing these platforms provides an opportunity to stay connected to scripture. Recalling the foundations of theomusicology (testimony, discipleship, biblically-centered text, community activism, and action), and applying these pillars to our daily interaction with the Word, the digital divide between scripture and culture is rapidly shrinking.

 A few online locations provide an opening to connect with scripture. The plurality of positions is synonymous with their intent to share scripture and see how it is recognized, understood, and applied in daily life. The listed examples unfold points from a comfortable position to a more interrogatory review of scripture in the complex, post-modern, globalized society. Each example works to give biblically-centred learning to the common man, with its own style. Readily available doctrine and study are included and vary with the d’jour of the times.

Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson Ministries, Does Our Faith Belong in the Public Square? December 27, 2025,

Allen Jackson Ministries: https://allenjackson.com/

Allen Jackson Podcast, Miracles & Moments That Shaped a Deeper Faith, Culture & Christianity, December 19, 2025,

“Throughout 2025, countless miracles and expressions of God’s power have been shared on this podcast. In this episode, we revisit five stories of God’s incredible intervention in the lives of His people, from miraculous diagnoses to blessings of peace, salvation, and deliverance from darkness. There’s no debate — God still does miracles, and He is committed to furthering His Kingdom, one person at a time. God is moving. Are you going to follow Him? Watch and find the hope you need for whatever you’re facing today. — It’s up to us to bring God’s truth back into our culture. It may feel like an impossible assignment, but there’s much we can do. Join Pastor Allen Jackson as he discusses today’s issues from a biblical perspective. Find thought-provoking insight from Pastor Allen and his guests, equipping you to lead with your faith in your home, your school, your community, and wherever God takes you” (YouTube, December 2025).

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3JsyO6y…

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…

What is interesting about Allen Jackson Ministries is the variety. Pastor Allen Jackson conducts a podcast with and without guests, untangling their testimonies and seeing the application of these in changes. Like all good pastors, Allen Jackson places significance on the Word over matters. Providing a platform for his guests to illuminate how they understand and relate to scripture finds a relationship with others. The weekly church service podcasts further exemplify how pastor Allen Jackson tackles uncertain, controversial, and challenging issues through scripture. Not fearing secular media perspectives, pastor Allen Jackson is careful to give credit where credit is due, share scripture, and hold steadfast to his dedication to community. Pastor Allen Jackson articulates these points verbally and subtextually in his podcast. A firm yet heartwarming tone, pastor Allen Jackson positions his episodes for those who know the need of current affairs with the personal devotion to see how to be equally committed to His Word.

Kingdom & Culture

KWVE Radio, Kingdom & Culture with Mike Whitford, Episode 9, Senator James Lankford, July 21, 2025,

A new series on the 40-year-old KWVE radio station, serving the greater Los Angeles area. Kingdom & Culture is a program for those rushing around on a weekend afternoon, interested in pop culture, and may not readily see how scripture defines these stories. Episodes have ranged from military dedication to how Superman is a metaphor for the gospel. Kingdom & Culture is not limited to a younger audience, though this is a target population. What is interesting about this series is the balance between the short, 25-minute radio broadcast and the same, yet more lengthy YouTube episode. As Kingdom & Culture continues to mature, the already established direction will broaden and gain more traction.

Christianity Still Makes Sense

Christianity Still Makes Sense With Dr. Bobby Conway, Butker Gets His Butt Kicked For Commencement Speech, Episode 66, May 24, 2024,

“On this week’s episode of ‘Christianity Still Makes Sense,’ Bobby Conway and Tim Hull discuss some of the major headlines of the week and what they reveal about today’s culture. Topics covered include:

“Media Reaction to Harrison Butker’s Commencement Speech, Faith revival in the UK among Gen Z, Scary statistics on which religious groups actually take their faith seriously, Personal vs group responsibility for societal change, and a pope that believes that mankind is inherently good” (YouTube, May 2024).

Dr. Pastor Bobby Conway is a sight to behold. Once past his disheveled hair and tattoos, his scriptural knowledge comes full force from his doctoral degree. Christianity Still Makes Sense is a go-to series for those who are interested in culture, philosophy, and biblical learning. The dynamic connection and application from Dr. Pastor Bobby Conway keep listeners returning each week. Like Kingdom & Culture, there is a difference between the shorter 25-minute weekly radio episode and the longer, hour-long YouTube version. What is interesting is the depth to which Dr. Pastor Bobby Conway goes down the proverbial rabbit hole, detangling the complexities between culture, philosophy, and scripture. The result is often more questions, driving listeners to review the episode and retrace the scriptures quoted. Christianity Still Makes Sense is an exciting radio and YouTube series. The wide-ranging topics are never in short supply.

“But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).

Photo | Geghard Monastery in Armenia | courtesy of Vyacheslav Argenberg, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Photo | Geghard Monastery in Armenia | courtesy of Vyacheslav Argenberg, Wikimedia Creative Commons

Thinking About It; Working Through It

Falling short on the opportunity to connect with scripture is less of an issue these days. What is necessary is for us to find a source that resonates in topics, style, and delivery. Once this minor Herculean task is overcome, the onus is on us to remain dedicated to our own commitment to prioritize these contact points. Indeed, a podcast, YouTube episode, or Zoom meeting does not fully substitute for direct community involvement. When we balance these elements in the rush of an industrial global culture, yes, listening to a biblical reading may not be the top of a desire list, but it is a place for those on the run to not trip on a slipped shoestring and give a prompt to a daily prayer which might have been missed on the overpriced shopping list.

To read more from Alan Lechusza Aquallo’s “The Sweatpant Sessions,” please consider subscribing for free and check out others on Patheos

About Alan Lechusza Aquallo
Dr. Alan Lechusza is a scholar whose name has become synonymous with critical thought and cultural discourse. He is a thinker and writer who explores the world of popular culture with a critical eye. He holds a PhD and uses his deep resource-rich understanding to question and redefine how we see art, power, and knowledge. His research covers various topics that aim to break down and rebuild our ideas about culture, artistry, and socio-political authority. Dr. Lechusza closely examines everyday cultural expressions in a way that challenges usual thinking. His writings make people think and view culture in new ways. Dr. Alan Lechusza wants to create conversations to inspire change and challenge our understanding of how we experience the world. You can read more about the author here.

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