What does it mean when a band is judged by how hard they pray rather than how hard they rock? Would Jesus buy Christian music or wear "witness wear"? What do Christian skate parks, raves, and romance novels say about evangelicalism and America? Daniel Radosh went searching for the answers and reached some surprising conclusions.

Written with the perfect blend of amusement and respect, Rapture Ready! is an insightful, entertaining, and odd journey through the often hidden world of Christian pop culture. This vast and influential subculture -- a $7 billion industry and growing -- can no longer be ignored by those who want to understand the social, spiritual, and political aspirations of evangelical Christians. From Christian music festivals and theme parks to Passion plays and comedy nights, Daniel Radosh offers a revealing survey on Christian subculture and unique into on one of America's most important social movements.

Christian popular culture is a fast-growing and lucrative phenomenon in the United States, so much so that Radosh, a Jewish author and contributing editor at The Week magazine, took the time to research this complicated and fascinating world. The author's style is funny and direct, which helps the prose flow smoothly. He takes the reader on an amusing trek through the sometimes bizarre world of Christian popular culture, deftly critiquing it without being overly condescending. The author discovers that just about everything found in mainstream popular culture has a Christian counterpart: books, all forms of music, television shows, movies, comedy, skateboarding, and even wrestling. Radosh has the astute sense of a journalist and the evocative humor of a stand-up comic. He balances his rather skeptical perspective with respectful stories about the lives of people he encounters. The tension between being in the world and of the world, a common Christian challenge, is present throughout, and reminds all people of faith to question how tightly they wish to embrace popular culture. (Apr.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

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