Articles for tag: National Public Radio

January 21, 2014

By Mark A. Taylor Does what we watch on TV affect how we act in everyday life? Those broadcasting sex, violence, and other vices into our living rooms would likely say no. “Our programming is a reflection of the culture around us, not a cause of everyday behavior. Our job is to entertain, not to educate.“ I didn”t believe it when I first heard the words from network executives” mouths almost 30 years ago, and I don”t believe it now. But I must admit I was surprised to hear a college professor interviewed on National Public Radio (NPR) support my

August 27, 2013

Mark A. Taylor

Culture & Public Square Technology

Want to Try Digital Detox?

By Mark A. Taylor Earlier this summer I accomplished something new for me. I went 14 days with no cell phone or computer. My two weeks were completely free of digital connections””no Internet, no texting, no Facebook updates, no e-mail or web browsing. And I must admit it was not comfortable””at least at first. My wife and I were part of a Christian group cruising around Italy and Greece. We enjoyed a taste of a dozen different destinations, including several we”d like to visit again. And if that is ever possible, I will certainly consider a technology boycott like the

October 5, 2011

Christian Standard

Christian Living

Rethinking Our Delivery

By Mark A. Taylor It is nearly impossible to go anywhere or do anything these days unaccompanied by a soundtrack. Sometimes I wish they”d just turn off the music. I mean, I don”t really need to hear the latest hit blaring out of a two-inch speaker at the pump where I get gas. More often than not, I”d rather just talk to my meal mates than try to shout over the rhythm and bass blaring from the restaurant sound system. And I suspect the upbeat tempos I hear in most grocery and department stores have been scientifically proven to prompt

September 15, 2010

Christian Standard

Devotionals

Sad Because She Left Us

By Mark A. Taylor My wife and I discovered something wonderful when we returned to our church after three vacation Sundays away: people there missed us. Amid all the friendly pats and hearty greetings”””Welcome back!” “We loved your pictures on Facebook!” “Was your trip wonderful?”””I thought about this column I promised to write when we returned. This continues a discussion begun in last week”s issue. There I reported on and reacted to author Anne Rice”s public announcement of her decision to walk away from Christianity. She said her faith in Christ is “central” to her life, but “following Christ does

August 2, 2006

Mark A. Taylor

Devotionals

God Creates, Man Imitates

God's creation shows an intricacy we can’t manufacture. From Pixar’s Cars to magnified photographs of tree bark, this reflection contrasts human craftsmanship with the beauty that can turn a simple walk in the woods into worship.