What a joy it is to hold a culture in high esteem. American popular culture though has its deficiencies. Listen to what Carl Bernstein (b. 1944), an American investigative journalist and author reported with Bob Woodward at the Washington Post on the Watergate scandal observed, “The lowest form of popular culture – lack of information, misinformation, disinformation and a contempt for the truth or the reality of most people's lives – has overrun real journalism.” People find many of these deficiencies in the sensationalism of the tabloids, pop music, and bizarre displays in other forms of artistic culture.

All however is not lost. It'll take the acceptance of the Christian faith for these cultural peddlers to truly live according to what's right, and just, by pursuing events that will uplift our souls. Strange as it may seem, many in the media's audience buy into this fare which is presented them. Even Christians may fall victims to these ubiquitous displays. They may say, “Everyone is reading or watching salacious material in tabloids, films, on TV, or, the Internet, so why can't I? It'll bring me joy to join the their ranks.” Little do they realize that they are falling victims to sin knowingly perpetuated by the media. As for media officials, they may well enjoy such ready-made popularity, for it will boost their ratings and mean more money in their pockets.

Music in Our Lives

Cultural appreciation goes way back to the Egyptians, Greeks, Italian Renaissance, and Reformation. In the Western world, Europeans are loved for their classical tradition. Classical masters like Beethoven, Handel, and Mozart are held in high esteem for their outstanding works. Presently we enjoy the age of the automobile, highways, airplanes, airports, nuclear power, and weaponry systems, to the delight of many makers and shakers. In the pop music world, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Billy Joel, Beatles, Supremes, Temptations, Abba of Sweden, and Jamaican Bob Marley have made their mark on our consciousness. Their music represents different genres, e.g., rock 'n' roll, country, western, Christian, jazz, etc.

Billy Joel (b. 1949), an American pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer, a best selling recording artist believed, “I think music itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we are from, everyone loves music.” Different music genres appeal to people in unique ways, but some music lovers appreciate music for what it truly is. Others may disagree about what some genres have to offer. Rarely is secular music sung in churches, synagogues, or temples. What is known though, is that with hymns, and songs praising God, are often held in high esteem by Christians. Some sinners have been converted to Christianity by the singing of hymns like “Amazing Grace”, “Bread of Life, hope of the world”, “Holy God, you raise up prophets”, “Song of the body of Christ”, and “We Shall Overcome”.

The American Dream

Immigrants land on the shores of America with hopes of achieving the American dream. Often when people reflect on this dream, they mostly think in terms of worldly and material benefits, that will make them sit pretty for the rest of their lives. This may take the form of acquiring their own home, finding a job they love, having a caring family, a station wagon, or sports car, and being able to live in a wonderful neighborhood. It's true such a dream will look somewhat differently to every new immigrant in the United States.

In the world of art, architecture, music, sports, and churches, rarely it may seem that many an immigrant may see living a life in Jesus Christ a top priority. If he or she does, this will be a unique blessing for their soul. Walt Disney (1901 – 1966), an American entrepreneur, cartoonist, animator, voice actor, and film producer thought that “all our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Undoubtedly, since a Christian's life is about living, loving, and serving his or her fellowmen, it'll therefore be wise for them to embrace Christian values, since they will realize these will be essential in shaping a truly worthwhile American dream.

Their Conduct in America

To improve American popular culture people have to develop higher moral standards. H. L. Mencken (1880 -1956), an American journalist, satirist, cultural critic, and Scholar of American English said that “I believe that it is better to tell the truth than a lie. I believe it is better to be free than to be a slave. And I believe it is better to know than to be ignorant.” Immigrants to these American shores should greatly consider Mencken's perspectives as a way of life, for they will empower them. One thing expressed is to know the reasons for doing a task, rather than be ignorant about it. It's implied here, that all Americans – immigrant and non-immigrant alike, ought to pursue an education, for it's liberating. In this case, such knowledge will have amazing benefits for the American culture - not every sort of education, but one which is based on Christian values.