Homepage / Academy Catalog / PopGods: Thinking Theologically About Pop Culture
PopGods: Thinking Theologically About Pop Culture
Interpret pop culture theologically to invite people into Jesus’ way of life and love.
About this Course
PopGods was designed to challenge you to dive deep into the world of popular culture and discover the hidden longings, fears, and beliefs that lie beneath the surface.
What you’ll learn:
In a world where pop culture saturates our daily lives, Christians often find themselves at a crossroads. Do we retreat into our own subculture, or do we engage with the stories, images, and ideas shaping our neighbors' hearts and minds? PopGods challenges you to dive deep into the world of popular culture and discover the hidden longings, fears, and beliefs that lie beneath the surface.
By learning to analyze pop culture through a theological lens, you'll gain powerful insights into the questions, hopes, and anxieties that keep your neighbors up at night. You'll be equipped to communicate the hope of the gospel using stories and language they can understand.
But be warned: this journey isn't for the faint of heart. You'll be challenged to confront the darkness in our culture head-on, from the existential dread of zombie apocalypses to the seductive power of superhero mythologies. You'll grapple with tough questions about faith, meaning, and identity in a post-Christian world. Through it all, you'll emerge with a deeper understanding of God's truth and a greater capacity for empathy and connection.
If you're ready to take your faith beyond the church walls and into the heart of contemporary culture, PopGods is your gateway to a new kind of gospel witness.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Theological Storytelling
In this module you will:
- Consider how cultural texts serve to tell big truths about who we are, much like the early cathedrals.
- Rest in your identity as beloved of God.
- Practice examining a cultural text for theological assumptions.
Examining Expiration with Horror Films
In this module you will:
- Learn some theories on how horror films give us clues to how our culture deals with death.
- Build gratitude that God has defeated death.
- Consider how transcendent mysteries create a door to meaningful conversations.
Contemplating Community with Frodo
In this module you will:
- Explore the concept of sacrifice for others and its counter-cultural significance.
- Consider how the Lord of the Rings trilogy speaks to a fragmented society.
- Imagine ways to encourage connection in your own life and community.
Defining Deity with Thor
In this module you will:
- Consider both God's power and humility through a discussion of the Marvel Comic god Thor.
- Appreciate that the all-powerful God of the universe seeks to connect with you as an individual human.
- Explore how learning more about God's nature makes a difference in your service to God and the world.
Investigating Identity with Harry Potter
In this module you will:
- Consider how current culture seeks authenticity through the examples of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.
- Examine the disruptive force of sacrificial love.
- Remember who you are in God's eyes.
Making Meaning with Luke Skywalker
In this module you will:
- Consider what it means to be Christian in a pluralistic society.
- Rest in the promise that love casts out fear.
- Explore ways that you can inject love into fearful situations.
Facing Finitude with the Zombie Apocalypse
In this module you will:
- Consider the longings and anxieties about the future that are present in zombie texts.
- Practice identifying theological thinking in a pop culture text of your choice.
- Appreciate the life-giving God's eternal glory.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
9 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Tripp Fuller
Visiting Professor of Theology, Luther Theological Seminary
Tripp recently moved back to North Carolina and started as Visiting Professor of Theology at Luther Theological Seminary after three years as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Theology & Science at the University of Edinburgh. He recently released Divine Self-Investment: a Constructive Open and Relational Christology, the first book in the Studies in Open and Relational Theology series. For over 15 years Tripp has been doing the Homebrewed Christianity podcast (think on-demand internet radio) where he interviews different scholars about their work so you can get nerdy in traffic, on the treadmill, or doing the dishes. Last year it had over 4 million downloads. It also inspired a book series with Fortress Press called the Homebrewed Christianity Guides to… topics like God, Jesus, Spirit, Church History, etc. Tripp is a very committed and (some of his friends think overly) engaged Lakers fan and takes Star Wars and Lord of the Rings very seriously.
Andrew Root
Professor and Carrie Olson Baalson Chair of Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary
After receiving his PhD at Princeton Theological Seminary, Dr. Andrew Root joined Luther Seminary in 2005. He is considered one of the leading scholars of youth ministry and practical theology in the world. Root has published 16 books, many of which have been found on lists for Book of the Year. His latest project is a six-volume series with Baker Academic. Root is known as a leading thinker on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and is a sought-after speaker at conferences, colleges, and churches. He has lectured and presented all over the world, including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe.
Ready to Enroll?
Enroll in this on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all Faith+Lead’s on-demand courses, plus more with a Faith+Lead Membership.
Enroll in this on-demand course
$55
One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access to 40+ on-demand courses
- Access every live and recorded workshop
Popular
Access this on-demand course
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.99 per month
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
Need financial support?
Check out the latest released courses
What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!