How would one discuss Jesus with someone who is not very religious?

You've got a friend. You care for them. And at some point, you might have thought:

"How can I talk about Jesus in a manner that truly resonates with them?
"They didn’t grow up attending church."
"They're not overly interested in religion."

But you still wish to share your faith authentically, without it feeling odd.

You're not alone. Many of us find ourselves in this place. We aspire to converse about Jesus without it seeming forced or out of context. Here's a suggestion: commence not with theology, but with what they know.

Films. Music. TikTok. Video games. Beloved stories.

These elements can genuinely assist in discussing Jesus in ways that are natural and significant. Pop Culture Isn’t a Hindrance — It’s a Bridge Many are more familiar with the Marvel universe than with the Gospel of John. That doesn’t hinder discussions about Jesus. You might just need to begin elsewhere.

Pop culture teems with themes like sacrifice, redemption, love, purpose, and identity. When these links are made, they open doors for profound conversations. Here are a few examples.

Start with Areas of Current Connection
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The Chronicles of Narnia: Aslan's sacrifice to save Edmund is not just a pivotal moment. It mirrors Jesus's sacrifice for us. Your friend might already be aware of this story, making it a fitting introduction to Jesus.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's quest to restore peace resembles Jesus's journey. Doesn't that remind you of Jesus? He ventured into a broken realm, confronting evil and providing hope and healing.

Music: Consider “All of Me” by John Legend. It transcends mere romance. It resonates with a universal yearning for true, unconditional love. Such love points to something more profound. It signifies the divine love offered by God and can initiate a dialogue about genuine love's essence.

Four Ways to Link Pop Culture with the Story of Jesus
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1. Identify Shared Interests
Begin with what interests them—films, books, games, music. Many of these narratives explore profound themes. Inquire about their preferences and reasons. Let that steer you to more meaningful discussions.

Try saying:
“What films do you enjoy?”
“Who's your current favourite artist?”
“You seem to enjoy that game a lot—what do you like about it?”

2. Find Connections
Once in conversation, draw simple analogies.

“In Clash of Clans, you're always building defenses for protection, right? It mirrors how we tend to protect ourselves in reality. That's something Jesus addresses—how one needn't face life solo or remain on guard constantly.”

“Noticed how TikTok users often seek likes and validation? Everyone craves visibility and acceptance. I found that in God—authentic love unaltered by my performance.”

“Remember that line in Blinding Lights—‘I'm running out of time’—it reminds me of chasing transient satisfactions. I used to but faith offered everlasting fulfilment.”

3. Start with a Well-Known Story
Having Star Wars as the opener can sometimes assist.

“You know how Anakin intends to balance the Force? The concept of a ‘chosen one’ rings a bell with Jesus. He too brought peace—not only among people but between us and God.”

“Reflect on Darth Vader. Despite seeming lost, Luke believed in his redemption. That's akin to how I perceive Jesus's actions towards us.”

4. Foster Curiosity
Rather than presenting a message, sometimes posing a thoughtful question is more effective..

“What draws us to tales of sacrifice?”
“Ever observed the plentitude of songs about love, recognition, or acceptance? It reflects our shared yearnings.”

These queries create opportunities without pressuring. They open doors to genuine dialogue. And there, faith can begin to flourish. A Sermon Isn’t Required—Just a Starting Point

Engaging your friend with something they're passionate about—be it music, cinema, stories, or trends—can be the most natural segue to a dialogue on Jesus. The message remains unchanged. You're simply finding a better entry point. You recognize Jesus's gifts of life, hope, and love. Could it be that the story your friend embraces is perfectly priming them for His narrative?

So, during your next chat about preferred series or trends, pay attention. You might just discover an opportunity. When you do, seize it.