Introduction to the Talking About series
Have you ever had one of those conversations when you know you ought to be able to bring in a Christian perspective? The only problem is how. As the conversation goes on you become more and more anxious. You know you have a good opportunity to say something; you know you should say something – but you just can't think what. Probably all of us have been there at some time or other. Couldn't we all do with a little help on thinking some issues through beforehand?
It seems to me that there are three areas of conversation which frequently cry out for a Christian angle: personal issues in the lives of friends, family or work colleagues; big issues in societty; and things in the media. They often overlap, of course. So when, some time ago, Nick Pollard was asked to contribute a regular column for Idea, the Evangelical Alliance's magazine for members, it seemed a great opportunity to focus on some of the overlapping issues which people are discussing. The articles aim to help readers understand some of what is being said about these issues in today's world, as well as some of the underlying ideas. The primary aim, of course, is to provide help having more and more productive coversations with friends, colleagues and family. It soon became apparent that this is just the kind of help that many Christians feel they need.
So, this series of short books came to be. It takes the basic ingredients of what Nick has written in some of his articles, and develops them into something more substantial, but still light and easily digested. Nick significantly develops his 800 word idea columns into the opening chapter of each book. Then come some extra ingredients: a thorough biblical perspective on the issue; articles on key aspects of the central theme; study guides on relevant films, books or television programmes; and an introduction to one or more key thinkers whose work still influences our culture. Some of these chapters have been developed from material published on Damaris' CultureWatch website, others have been commissioned especially for this book. Finally, sprinkled throughout the mix are some great quotes which help to spice up your conversations about the issues we're examining (many of these quotes have come from another great Damaris resource, www.ToolsForTalks.com – a collection of tools for speakers whether they are teaching the Bible or engaged in evangelism).
We trust you will find this interesting, entertaining and stimulating, but the main purpose is to enable you to be more effective in talking about the good news of Jesus Christ within today's world, whether, as Nick says, you are talking from a pulpit or over the garden fence.
Tony Watkins