New York Is for Christian Hipsters

New York makes a lot of top 10 lists. Apparently -- or at least according to Brett McCracken (McCracken: what a great name!) over at conversant life -- it's even one of the top 10 cities for Christian hipsters:

As it is for any other hipster, New York is the dream destination for many Christian hipsters. Whether they go there to be actors, artists, designers, or factory workers, hipsters love living in New York. Currently, it’s the city where many Christian hipster icons (such as Sufjan Stevens, Welcome Wagon, and Jay Bakker) reside. It’s also the site of dozens of very hip, urbane, trend-setting churches like Redeemer Presbyterian, All Angels Episcopal, and Journey, as well as ministries such as the International Arts Movement.

[photo by Stephanie Nikolopoulos]

I can't help but recall an episode of That 70s Show when the always tipsy mom, Kitty, called New York "Sodom and Gomorrah with a subway." New York has so often been thought of as a breeding ground for sin. And yet, for centuries, it's also been considered the place for great art, music, and fashion. No other city in the U.S. compares to it. So, it makes sense that, religion aside, you'd be drawn to NYC if you're a creative type.

There are indeed more and more young and creative communities for Christians in New York. (McCracken, who's writing a book on the world's hippest churches, also lists Resurrection Presbyterian as a hipster church in a separate post. I'd add Trinity Grace's Chelsea service and North Brooklyn Vineyard's Trash Bar service to the list above.) But does that make New York Christian-friendly?

Film Nights at City Grace and Revolution

Some Christian churches and colleges frown upon anything secular and advise their followers to abstain from Hollywood movies. That outlook is starting to change these days, as more leaders are using film as a way to create dialogue. Today, two churches are showing two very different films for your viewing pleasure.

City Grace is showing the somewhat-dark comedy Little Miss Sunshine as part of their first-ever indie movie night. It will be at 7 PM at their usual church location of 219 Sullivan Street. There will be free food, and a discussion will follow.

Revolution will be showing the documentary Mountain Top Removal:

We here at Revolution continue to follow Jesus' prayer of "On earth, as it is in Heaven" not only in the work of human rights but also in the work of taking care of God's creation. This month, we will host another film screening educating us on environmental issues. The film is called Mountain Top Removal- it is a documentary about coal mining in the Appalachia Mountain region. Some of the negative impacts of coal mining on the environment are highlighted, including the geological changes that occur and result in flooding and pollution and the impact these practices have on the people living there. The screening will be at The Lazy Catfish (593 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY) on Sunday, February 8th at 7pm. Suggested donation is $10 (to benefit Revolution and Haw River Films). For more information please click here. Along these lines, we will start a new Bible study this month based on the newly published Green Bible, which has verses pertaining to the environment highlighted in green.

Please post below if you go to either of the screenings. It would be great to hear what was discussed at both of these film nights.