What can Christians learn from one of the most popular TV series of all time?

In its first season, LOST averaged 15.5 million viewers per episode. The show features a cast that struggles with the eternal issues of identity, conflict, relationships, and spirituality. Though the show does not have a Christian foundation or theme, there is much believers can learn about social and cultural attitudes and perspectives through its episodes—such as...

• the selfish bent of human nature
• the darkness of evil
• the hunger people have for acceptance and success
• the realization of our need for God
• the hope for a positive future

Many of the problems and difficulties of everyday life are captured succinctly in LOST—making it a useful “point of reference” for understanding how different people view issues of a spiritual nature. Ankerberg and Burroughs offer practical suggestions for Christians who desire to talk effectively to others about the various themes in the show.

What Can Be Found in Lost by John Ankerberg & Dillon Burroughs is an intriguingly insightful look at the popular TV series Lost. I watched the first season of the series, and while I always meant to watch more, I've never taken the time, but after the authors revelations about what Lost can teach us about faith, Jesus, and Christianity, I will have to give the show a second chance. Each chapter addresses a specific part of faith, discussing exactly what the series shows about it, as well as what the Bible has to say. While the series doesn't always get things right, it does reflect pop culture's take on things. The authors also delve into the various conspiracies surrounding the series with a few ideas as to what they believe is really going on. There are also many resources listed for getting more from the TV show, especially multiple websites devoted to it. It's a surprisingly fun read that educates about true faith, as well as making the reader want to rush out and watch the entire series!

I highly recommend this book for both hard-core LOST fans and for those who just want to know what this LOST craze is all about. Ankerberg and Burroughs provide in-depth and amazing insights into the spiritual aspects of the show. You'll discover exciting and enlightening elements of the show's plot and characters that you may never have noticed while watching the show on TV. You'll also be intrigued by the vast number of spiritual clues and references you'll find sprinkled throughout every episode. Reading this book will challenge your mind, expand your faith, and greatly enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the show LOST. Have fun reading it, and share it with your friends who are also LOST fans!

What Can Be Found In Lost:
Insights on God and the Meaning of Life from the Popular TV Series
by John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs

I admit it! I spend way too much time on trivial stuff. Like TV shows. Like Lost.
Premiering with an eye-opening (literally) plane crash on a lush, South Pacific island, it has many intriguing characters. Jack, the brilliant surgeon, is a man of science. Kate is a beautiful criminal on the run, but can be counted on in a time of crisis. John Locke, a man of faith, apparently is healed of his paralysis. He believes the island on which they've landed influences their destiny. Sawyer, a con man, searches for the man who destroyed his family. Other characters include Charlie, a former rock-star addicted to heroin; Claire, a young very-soon-to-be single mother; Sayid, a former Iraqi soldier; and Hurley, who won the lottery and was in an mental hospital.

They soon discover they are not alone on the island. The Others, a group who have been on the island for many years, are led by Ben Linus. Ben calls himself a "good guy," but uses the "Losties" for his own (good-evil?) agenda.

Into it's fourth season, Lost presents many more questions than answers. I keep watching, hoping to find more pieces of the puzzle to solve all the inter-connecting mysteries of the characters and circumstances. Many internet sites have sprung up to help keep all the facts straight. Web logs (blogs) and online magazines such as tvguide.com and ew.com (Entertainment Weekly) have columnists that recap the show each week and give spoilers for what's coming next.

Aside from the action and good characterization, are the issues of faith that are such a huge part of the mystery. "What Can Be Found In Lost" looks at the issues as they are dealt with in the show. Then the book looks at them from a Biblical perspective.
These issues include:

the existence of God
miracles
the nature of good and evil
redemption
forgiveness
destiny

For example, the first chapter, Lost On God, relates a conversation between hero Jack and Other's leader Ben about the existence of God.
Ben: Do you belive in God, Jack?
Jack: Do you?
Ben: Two days after I found out I had a fatal tumor on my spine, a spinal surgeon fell out of the sky. If that's not proof of God, I don't know what is.
Ben's need was met, thus "coincidence (a spinal surgeon falling out of the sky) equaled purpose (to remove his life-threatening tumor)."

Referencing Francis Schaeffer, the book gives three possibilities for "Where did everything come from?" 1. nothing; 2. an impersonal random source; 3. a personal beginning by a creator, thus we have a purpose. The authors state, "Lost presents a worldview in which the everyday occurences of life have a purpose. Purpose, because it is intentional, suggests that someone is orchestrating these intentions." At the end of the chapter, the question is asked, "How can what seems like coincidence offer evidence for God's existence?" Also, "In what ways do the Bible's assumptions regarding God seem narrow or intolerant? In what ways do they make sense?" This would make a great small group study!

One character, Rose, a born-again Christian, asks the question, "What does God have to do to get your attention?" The show focuses on deep spiritual issues that our world (and the Lost castaways) must address in our everyday lives. It is not a "Christian" show, but deals with things we should know how to discuss.
"What Can Be Found In Lost" discusses the issues from the world's perspective, a Christian's perspective and includes questions for further speculation. It also includes a character guide and other show info to help explain what has happened so far in the story.

If you are a fan or just want to know more about it, I highly recommend "What Can Be Found In Lost" by John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs.