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Three Ways Christian News Talks, and Why It Matters

Three Ways Christian News Talks, and Why It Matters

Last updated on: July 6, 2026 at 7:20 pm by Alan Lechusza Aquallo

Three Ways Christian News Talks, and Why It Matters 2026-07-06T19:20:21-07:00 Alan Lechusza Aquallo

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“Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth…Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:5-7 JKV).

Consuming A Paradox: A Critique of Christian News and Media

Walking through our days, it’s inevitable that one will encounter the news. For better or worse, the media has polluted our consciousness/unconcsiousness. Navigating the bombardment of contact points can be a full-time job in and of itself. Yet, being aware of and knowledgeable about current discourse is a necessity; some will see it as evil, while others may see it as a process. This raises a series of questions that hinge on a central point: “Does it really matter?”

Reading secular, non-faith-based, common, pop socio-political culture news has the potential to stunt one’s discipline and the time one gives to reading, studying, or simply being around scripture. However, the opposite produces the same outcome from a faith-based starting point to a non-faith-based news stream. Ideally, then, a balance between the two is the logical resolution. Yet, is it possible to maintain? At some point, one of these media profiles will supersede the other.

When The Day Becomes Unnecessary

In an internationally focused global society, this is considered normal, to a point. As long as the news and media being ingested comes primarily from outside of a religious, faith-based centrist arena, the inclusion is understood as being normal. When a faith-based news and media holds a primary position, recognizing this as a social norm is limited to a specific community, which is typically smaller than one’s non-faith-based, secular, socio-political community involvement. Is the resolution, then, to limit faith-based news and media? Or is the resolution to struggle at these crossroads eternally?

The constellation of elements brought into this sphere to help ascertain a credible outcome is eventually witnessed as being constructed individually. There is no one answer to the plurality this existential question presents. But we continue to strive for a singular resolution, a simple answer to a dynamic paradox. To help move past the phenomenological interaction of these questions, it can be deduced what style of news and media is being engaged. This rationally has the potential to help navigate the troubled waters of socio-political, socio-religious pop cultural news and media waters.

Photo | FEMA refugee reading a study bible, September 4, 2005 | courtesy of Win Henderson, Wikimedia Creative Commons

Three Blind Narratives

If we step back from the news and media sources engaged with daily, three narrative styles begin to come into focus. One source speaks through a pessimistic, dystopian vernacular. For faith-based news sources, this has come to be known as a “turn or burn” style. The evangelism expressed from this narrative is brash, bold, harsh, and often of such a serious tone that it dismisses personal attention for the sake of forcing scripture and often prophetic commentary. Pop cultural psychology recognizes this narrative as a stereotype of Christian news, media, and the first call of duty approach to spreading the gospel.

If the first narrative style focuses on expressing biblical knowledge from an insider to an outsider agenda with the intent to border-cross limitations of biblical knowledge, a second narrative style works to amplify one’s biblical knowledge through pre-existing news and media structures and styles. This second narrative style employs the scaffolding frequently used by pop culture to express news through established media channels. Switching the descriptors from a non-faith-based identity to faith-based ones, this second style produces a prosperity/megachurch news and media industrial complex. Attractive in that this second style speaks with a common voice and vernacular of pop culture, faith-based news, and media, engaging this second narrative style has a higher potential of contacting a wider audience base, albeit faith-based and non-faith-based. The question being begged is how credible the news is coming through these reprocessed media sources and styles, and what level of faith-based news is being expressed?

A third narrative style is available, and one that most would prefer to entertain. This third narrative style is the most hands-off, presenting unapologetic news through whatever media sources are available, for the sole purpose of simply getting the discourse out. A simpler and more direct process, the reservation with undertaking this third narrative style more frequently is its self-definition: a simpler and more direct news delivery. Taking advantage of whatever media sources are available with a laissez-faire approach, this third narrative style may be the easier engaging style, but due to that ease, some will be hesitant to give credit to the voice, that is, if they can find a broadcasting source containing this voice.

If the news is put forth with an overbearing posture, it runs the risk of discriminating against those who hear the voice and substantiates a negative stereotype of how biblical knowledge is shared. If faith-based news is provided through more common media formats and channels, the information may be more readily welcomed, but the value of biblical truth can be reduced or formalized in ways that avoid offending an audience or disturbing the structure being copied. If a “take it as it is”style is used, the proverbial red flags rise fast, questioning the accuracy of the information with a marginal potential to discredit the biblical content.

If these are the three available news narrative styles, using or denying contemporary media sources to express biblical knowledge, which one would be the more applicable? As before, the answer is left to the orator, the author. What should not change is the depth and connection of biblical knowledge being shared.

Does It Really Matter?

Applying these three narrative faith-based news styles to the current media outlets and news that came to light this past week, a striking realization surfaced: each is being used, and they work as defined. Perhaps this should not be a rewarding shock, but to see how elegant this analysis is for the three noted narrative styles moves the understanding of this argument from a hypothesis to an aesthetic critical theory, theologically speaking.

The added layer to the inclusion of these three narrative styles is how comfortably they work interdisciplinarily together. What is most valuable to gather from applying these three narratives is discernment. Without a critical lens of discernment, the narratives run together, failing to contextualize each within its own narrative style. Why is this important? If a critical reading is not applied, the question of which viewpoint is being expressed goes unaddressed. This turns faith-based news sources and media outlets into replicas of non-faith-based news/media structures. This level of discernment, however, needs to be applied reciprocally, from the news source to the reader and vice versa. The media platform is the transmission agent. It’s the content that needs strict scrutiny.

As a geopolitical, postmodern, media-saturated world rotates around a 24-hour, nonstop global clock, faith-based news has slowly succumbed to investing its content in either a first- or second-narrative style. With the rationale of supporting the interests of the readership, the forced compression of news content into a predictable style can essentialize faith-based discourse. The third narrative, reserved more for independent or smaller news sources, provides a platform for honest expression of content. Taking a bouguoise approach, the third narrative style embraces what media sources are available to relay an unapologetic faith-based news.

If the ultimate desire for faith-based news sources is to function, through local, national, and world news, in evangelism and discipleship, the third narrative style is the closest to expressing these values. The first and second narrative styles emphasize an active community approach, with evangelism and discipleship less of a focus. The third narrative has the potential to function as the gospel intended, a source for the “good news” to the masses, unapologetic, through Scripture truth, and without any external cultural forces.

“Therefore if any comfort is in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2 NKJV).

Photo | Lance Cpl. Lesley T. Raulerson reading a study bible, March 13, 2005 | courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel, Wikimedia Creative Commons

Now Read This

These articles explore religious issues, wrongful profiling, and socio-political implications at the crossroads of secular/sacred contexts. The outcome of some of these examples is unfolding, while others will have to wait to unveil the consequences. Regardless, the point of ascertaining such issues on a current level begs multiple questions: “Just how informed, involved, or interested is pop culture with faith-based context and/or religion?”

The Root. How a Texas Nun Headed to Worship Became the Latest Face of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown.

***“*After the story of a Catholic nun being detained by ICE circulated in the state of Texas, several Congress members intervened to bring her home” (July 1, 2026). Full article link.

The Root. ‘The Fourth of July Should Be A Day of Resistance’: Rev. Barber says honoring Independence Day requires the transformation of the holiday into a sustained movement for justice, (July 3, 2026). Full article link.

New Advent. Vatican Formally Declares Schism of SSPX, Decrees Excommunication of Lefebvrite Clergy and Laity…

“The bishops of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X, Alfonso de Galarreta and Bernard Fellay, respectively principal consecrator and co-consecrator, and the newly consecrated bishops Pascal Schreiber, Michael Goldade, Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, and Marc Hanappier have incurred ‘ipso facto’ the ‘latae sententiae’ excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See for having carried out ‘an act of a schismatic nature’” (July 2, 2026). Full article link.

DW. The Vatican vs ‘Society of St Pius X’ schism explained.

***“*The Vatican has imposed severe disciplinary measures on the ultratraditionalist Catholic ‘Society of St. Pius X’ (SSPX). The move comes after the group consecrated bishops without papal consent…The Vatican has declared the ultratraditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to be in schism after the group consecrated four bishops without papal approval.

“Pope Leo XIV’s decision goes beyond previous disciplinary measures, extending excommunication to SSPX bishops and priests and warning followers who formally support the movement. The dispute centers on the SSPX’s rejection of key reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council, raising fresh questions about unity, authority and tradition within the Catholic Church” (July 4, 2026). Full article and video link.

Global Religion Journalism Initiative. Texas approves mandatory Bible readings in public schools, reigniting a century-long debate

“American courts have heard cases over the Bible’s role in classrooms for more than a century. Whether lessons are constitutional depends on their purpose. By Charles J. Russo for The Conversation” (July 2, 2026). Full article link.

The Conversation. The US founders’ other revolutionary choice: Separating religion and government (June 24, 2026). Full article link.

The Conversation. 2026 isn’t the first time Christians have tried to claim the United States as their own (June 26, 2026). Full article link.

The Conversation. What the Declaration of Independence does – and doesn’t – say about God (April 24, 2026). Full article link.

The Root. Rev. Barber: ‘Christian Nationalism’ Has Infiltrated the Black Church

“Rev. Barber calls for an urgent moral crusade against a political movement using faith to mask injustice” (July 2, 2026). Full article link.

Religion News Service. The Bible verses dividing Washington: How Matthew 25 became a political litmus test

“Recently, Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, a Democrat and pastor of a prominent Black church, publicly questioned whether Speaker Mike Johnson’s Republican politics reflect his professed faith.

“Johnson, a Southern Baptist from Louisiana, has described himself as a “Matthew 25 Christian,” referring to a biblical passage that features Jesus telling his followers a parable in which “all the nations” are judged by how they care for the “least of these.”

“How, Warnock, told the New York Times, do you “say a long prayer, hold hands with your fellow legislators and then cut a trillion dollars out of Medicaid?”

“RNS National Reporter Jack Jenkins reports on how the brewing debate over Matthew 25 has been building, pitting mainline pastors, Black protestants and the pope against evangelical politicians put on the defensive amid outspoken religious criticisms of President Donald Trump’s policies” (July 2, 2026). Full article link.

The Conversation. 500 years ago, the first New Testament in English was published – and stirred up a hornet’s nest (June 30, 2026). Full article link.

But What Does It Sound Like?

The news works above exemplify the three narrative styles in literature. If we apply the three narrative styles through a theomusicological reading, two musical examples can help define each of the narrative styles.

Third Day, “Soul On Fire (Official Lyric Video),” Full video link.

Perhaps a more gentle example of the first narrative style, this work gives little room for any other interpretation of biblical discourse. A popular gospel country band, Third Day, this work does work as an example of the first narrative news/media style. Direct, to the point, no room for objective positions, and centered on a single driven theme, to save a soul that seeks to be on fire for the Lord, “Soul On Fire” aligns itself with the first narrative style, a forcible street preacher, small conservative community, legalistically bound that grants no leaway for interruption or alternative biblical hermenutics.

Tey Yahawadah, “From Israel To YAH (Official Music Video),” Full video link.

A soulful work that could easily be misunderstood as one focused on repentance, salvation, acceptance, transformation, and personal testimony. The music, image, and overarching style would equate to a second narrative style. The signifiers of pop culture music (read: soul, Hip Hop), in this work, are embraced and transposed theomusicologically, subtly, which makes the work a very versatile work. Faith-based audiences will note the biblical references, whereas a non-faith-based listener will find an easy entry to the work from the audio/visual elements. Biblical knowledge is articulated throughout the work, not explicitly or with immediate attention. It is this strategic operation and produced work which theomusicologically magnifies the second news/media narrative.

Jaz Donell & 2Jayz, “Runaway (Alternate Video),” Full video link.

This work holds the line on the third narrative style. An unapologetic work, with a video in real lived contexts, with direct theomusicological elements expressed throughout, this work invests itself in whatever manner of expression of biblical knowledge is available. Adding the striking beat, strong lyric flow, and a profound inclusion of Hip Hop style, the unapologetic nature of the work is its backbone.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NKJV).

Photo | Shlomo Morag recording Yemenite rabbis | courtesy of Shlomo Morag recording, Wikimedia Creative Commons

How Do You Like Your News?

Seeing that there are three different narrative styles in daily rotation for how faith-based news is obtained, it’s incumbent on a reader to recognize what style of news narrative they are being provided. Naturally, we gravitate to a style that resonates with our aesthetic perspectives. For faith-based news, knowing the underscored intent and voice of the content is more important than the media source. When one is able to ascertain what style of news they prefer to consume to obtain their faith-based content, then the media source elevates the content acquisition.

In a confused geopolitical pop cultural environment, it may be time for faith-based readers to focus more on the content, voice, and biblical knowledge being expressed rather than following the masses on how and what media outlet the news is being provided. If scripture knowledge is inaccurate, it doesn’t matter if it comes through from an iPhone or an Android. Accurate, informed, thought-provoking, evangelic, discipleship-founded biblical knowledge should be the first level of recognition when it comes to biblical study, not what color is the mobile phone, how many followers one has on a Christian social media site, or which devotion one is sharing while ordering a dairy-free cappuccino with almond milk.

To read more from Alan Lechusza Aquallo’s “The Sweatpant Sessions,” please consider subscribing for free and check out others on Patheos.

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About Alan Lechusza Aquallo

Dr. Alan Lechusza is a scholar whose name has become synonymous with critical thought and cultural discourse. He is a thinker and writer who explores popular culture with a critical eye. He holds a PhD and uses his deep, resource-rich understanding to question and redefine how we see art, power, and knowledge. His research covers various topics that aim to break down and rebuild our ideas about culture, artistry, and socio-political authority. Dr. Lechusza closely examines everyday cultural expressions in ways that challenge conventional thinking. His writings make people think and view culture in new ways. Dr. Alan Lechusza wants to create conversations to inspire change and challenge our understanding of how we experience the world. You can read more about the author here.

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