D. Brent Laytham
Cascade Books, 2012, 220 pp., $24
During the past 20 years, the landscape for communication and entertainment dramatically changed with technological innovation along with the development of the Internet. Since then, it seems as if there has been a never-ending debate within the church regarding how to handle these changes. The crutch of the debate has been a simple question: How should a relationship with Jesus influence our usage of TV, video games, music and other forms of entertainment?
In iPod, Youtube, Wii Play, D. Brent Laytham masterfully tackles this question and deeply engages each issue with solid theological insights. He has done a wonderful job, as well, of making the book very challenging and thought-provoking, while at the same time being humorous and very creative (see his entire chapter on Twitter written in fewer than 140 words and two footnotes).
Laytham also tackles each issue in a way that is refreshing and unique. Neither condemning nor universally accepting of each avenue of entertainment, the book asks some very good questions and helps readers evaluate their own consumption and usage. Throughout each chapter, the author conveniently helps the reader’s discernment on the issue with a number of questions about the different theories presented.
iPod, Youtube, Wii Play is a fantastic book worth picking up and putting at the top of your reading pile. It is written from an academic perspective, thus making it a bit heavy for the average reader; however, it’s content is so good it’s worth the potential need to read through a couple times.
