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Questions for the Week:
- We've all heard the term "guilty pleasure," meaning you like something a cultural consensus says you shouldn't, like Nickelback. The older I get, the less I see the term in that definition, and the more I see it in terms of things I know are problematic, but I still enjoy them. James Bond movies and football leap to mind. The 007 franchise historically has been full of violence, misogyny, vice, and myriad other problematic elements. As the director of the latest Bond flick, Cary Joji Fukunaga, pointed out, Bond has committed sexual assault in some of the older films. But I can still succumb to the escapist action and stunning locations when "Casino Royale" or one of the other 007 classics comes on.
In the same way, I thoroughly enjoy an afternoon or evening watching football, particularly if my Los Angeles Rams are playing, though I know the sport is rife with intersecting problems including violence, racism, exploitation, and other issues.
Is it enough to be aware of the problems with guilty pleasures and keeping them in mind as you indulge, or do you need to purge them from your life? Do y'all have any guilty pleasures you contend with? - There was a recent article about what the show Ted Lasso could the clergy. What do you think about this? Have you ever watched something and felt like it spoke to your work in the church or ministry?
Special Guest:
Sue Rheem, Presbyterian Representative to the United Nations, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations
Guest Question:
I recently learned that the PC(USA) has an office at the United Nations. Why? What does this office do? Does the UN really listen to the church and the faith community?
Resource Roundup:
Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations Facebook Page
For Listening Guides, click here!
Got a question for us? Send them to faithpodcast@pcusa.org!
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