Anthony Hatcher, associate professor of communications, presented a paper at the National Faculty Leadership Conference, held June 22-25 in Alexandria, VA. Hatcher’s paper, “The Gospel According to The Gospel According to… Books,” is based on his research into the use of popular culture icons to relay religious messages. Books by both religious and nonreligious presses offer such titles as The Gospel According to Peanuts, The Gospel According to The Simpsons, The Gospel According to Oprah, and The Gospel According to Superman. Hatcher’s research explores what “gospel” each of these pop icons preaches, and how secular culture is mined for sacred purposes.
Special presenters at the conference included Stephen Clapp, Dean of the Juilliard School; John Angus Campbell, professor of communications and fine arts at the University of Memphis; and Ralph Wood, Baylor University theologian and author of The Gospel According to Tolkien.
The conference was sponsored by Christian Leadership Ministries, the faculty movement of Campus Crusade for Christ International.