What does it mean when a band is judged by how hard they pray rather than how hard they rock? Would Jesus buy "Jesus junk" or wear "witness wear"? ...
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Sep 22, 2010
Marie
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Radosh is a self-described non-religious Jewish liberal, who decides he wants to explore the $7 billion industry that is Christan pop (sub)culture. He travels to 18 cities and towns in 13 states, interviewing a fascinating group of people, ranging from Bibleman, the Caped Christian; Rob Adonis, the founder and star of Ultimate Christian Wrestling; Ken Ham, the country's leading creationism prophet; and Jay Bakker, the son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker and the pastor of a liberal, punk rock church
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Aug 04, 2011
Annie
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If you're looking for this book to reinforce your belief that all Christians are mindless cattle, indiscriminately consuming whatever cultural drivel is set before them, you're going to be disappointed. Likewise, if you're hoping this book will be a post you can hitch your pro-Christian culture argument to, you'll also be disappointed. That's because this book is surprisingly even-handed, even when dealing with situations that would seem absurd to many people. (Humans riding saddled dinosaurs le
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Sep 11, 2008
Alicia
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I thought this was a really entertaining, well-written, insightful book about the bizarre alternate universe of Christian pop culture. It was also a timely read, considering the RNC's recent efforts to reignite the culture wars and demonize the "liberal media" (yawn...that old chestnut). I got the sense that book was animated by a desire to understand what forces really fuel the Christian market and why the right wing has been so successful in politicizing religious faith. Ultimately,
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May 06, 2008
Megan
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I am, without a doubt, a person who lives a life far apart from Christian (or any religion, for that matter) pop culture. Noone in my family attends church regularly and I can count on one hand the number of I've actually been inside a church myself.
However, I'm incredibly intrigued by religion. Its something so pervasive yet so alien to my way of thinking. As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it--lickity split.
The author, a Jewish man with fairly l More...
However, I'm incredibly intrigued by religion. Its something so pervasive yet so alien to my way of thinking. As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it--lickity split.
The author, a Jewish man with fairly l More...
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May 11, 2008
Jesse
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The best book yet on Christian pop culture. Smart about lefty condescension, and about the ways that some Christians actually want to live their faith through their music (mostly, though he does semi-pitch a sitcom idea featuring a Christian, gay neighbors, and intolerant fundamentalist neighbors), but also about all the ignorance and intolerance (and just plain crap) out there. Introduced me to Krystal Meyers (the Christian Avril Lavigne), KJ the 52 (the C. Eminem--even has a two-part song wher
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Jul 10, 2011
Ana
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Rapture Ready / 9781416593751
I expected "Rapture Ready!" to be a fun, snarky joyride through modern Christian evangelical pop culture - something that made cutesy fun of all the kitsch you see at the Mardel store, and a largely fluffy throw-away book. What I found, however, was a far deeper, more mature consideration of such - wrapped tightly in the best book I've read all year.
Daniel Radosh is a plainly a skilled writer, and as a good writer he can't help but More...
I expected "Rapture Ready!" to be a fun, snarky joyride through modern Christian evangelical pop culture - something that made cutesy fun of all the kitsch you see at the Mardel store, and a largely fluffy throw-away book. What I found, however, was a far deeper, more mature consideration of such - wrapped tightly in the best book I've read all year.
Daniel Radosh is a plainly a skilled writer, and as a good writer he can't help but More...
Jun 02, 2011
Alice
rated it: 
Interesting insight into American Christianity, so worth a read to outsiders.
However, I think the technically atheist Radosh hid behind his self-identification as a humanist Jew far too frequently. It left a slightly sour taste in my mouth that he answered questions about his faith with, "I'm a Jew," knowing very well that he wasn't giving answers in the spirit of the question. It seemed like fraud, somehow.
Not that it's anyone's business what Radosh believes but hi More...
However, I think the technically atheist Radosh hid behind his self-identification as a humanist Jew far too frequently. It left a slightly sour taste in my mouth that he answered questions about his faith with, "I'm a Jew," knowing very well that he wasn't giving answers in the spirit of the question. It seemed like fraud, somehow.
Not that it's anyone's business what Radosh believes but hi More...
May 15, 2011
Jared
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I almost want to give this book 5 stars, but by principle can not give a book that is written for an 8th grade reading level a 5 star review. Call me a snob. I don't care. There are other reasons I won't give this book 5 stars. Maybe it was because of his own liberal tolerant intolerance, or the buried postmodern assumptions and his desire for Christians to become postmodern. Or the fact that it is not masterful language or masterful storytelling. Or because this book will not matter in 20
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Mar 04, 2011
Deb
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Daniel Radosh, an outsider to the world of the American Christian subculture embarks upon a journey that takes him to Christian music festivals, Bible themed amusement parks, and interviews with Christian authors. Radosh, who is of Jewish background, shares his frank reactions to the products, places, and people he encounters. His viewpoint exposes much that is regrettable about the consumerism that drives many of these ventures. But Radosh is also surprised by the genuine efforts of Christia
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Jul 25, 2010
Johnny
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If you have Christian art hanging in your house, own Christian music CDs, go to Passion plays, believe Creation science is actually science, and think that plastic crosses are cool, then this book is for you.
"Adventures in the parallel universe of Christian pop culture" When I read that from the front of the book, I was hooked. I knew this book would be a cool read.
Daniel Radosh, author, is a humanist Jew, or something like that, who immerses himself in various aspe More...
"Adventures in the parallel universe of Christian pop culture" When I read that from the front of the book, I was hooked. I knew this book would be a cool read.
Daniel Radosh, author, is a humanist Jew, or something like that, who immerses himself in various aspe More...
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Nov 09, 2011
Kayt
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A secular Jew journeys through the parallel universe of mostly-evangelical pop culture.
What's nice is that Radosh says up-front in the preface that this is just his experience, not a definitive look at Christian pop culture. For the most part, he does a good job in his writing of keeping things fair and letting readers know that it's his opinion, not an objective look (there was, throughout about 2/3 of the books, still a faint undercurrent of "these people are wacky").
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What's nice is that Radosh says up-front in the preface that this is just his experience, not a definitive look at Christian pop culture. For the most part, he does a good job in his writing of keeping things fair and letting readers know that it's his opinion, not an objective look (there was, throughout about 2/3 of the books, still a faint undercurrent of "these people are wacky").
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Mar 30, 2010
Nancy
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I had such high hopes for this book. Fundamentalist Christianity fascinates me, and I am especially intrigued with Rapture-focused beliefs. When I hear about young fundamentalist children who go home to an unexpectedly empty house and immediately assume that everyone but them has been "raptured," I have a peculiar impulse to weep with compassion and laugh hysterically, both at the same time. (Note: that impulse is not a happy one - it's actually quite uncomfortable - but it IS intr
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Aug 14, 2009
Mark
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Daniel Radosh is NOT an evangelical - in fact, he's a Humanistic Jew (his own description) - which for the purposes of this book is a very good thing. One of the pieces of advice you're often given when getting ready to sell your house is to have someone who's never been there come to walk through & look for all the things that need fixing or repainting. There's a reason - you've lived there for so long that you've become used to the imperfections, blemishes & outright broken stuff. Mr. Radosh's
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Aug 18, 2010
Jacqueline
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I have mixed feelings about this book. I saw it listed on my daily "Book Lover's" calendar, and I was intrigued by the premise. A liberal, New York Jew explores the "parallel universe of Christian pop culture." As someone who has both worked in a Christian bookstore and grown up in conservative churches, I was interested in an outsider's take on the subculture. On the one hand, there is much to agree with in this book. Christian pop culture is often a cheesy, in-your-fac
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Feb 07, 2010
Erin
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Loved this enjoyable look at various aspects of Christian pop culture. Radosh is incredibly witty and if you've ever seen all those "WWJD" bracelets, "Saved" t-shirts and the like, you'll be fascinated by this look at the money and the business of tchotkes and junk directed toward fundamentalist Christians (and how it differs, and doesn't, from other segments of the market). Not at all judgmental, just interesting and well-written. I will definitely look for more books fro
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Feb 05, 2009
Lisa
rated it:
One of the most random books I have ever picked up at the library but I was hooked by the picture. Yes, I have a very sophisticated system of picking books.
Actually, I have a few good friends who are evangelical Christian. And I have seen enough WWJD signs to be curious about the culture behind it.
This book explains the who, what, why, and expense of Christian pop-culture. Unfortunalty, I'm not a pop-culutre person, so a lot of the references were lost on me. (The author, a secul More...
Actually, I have a few good friends who are evangelical Christian. And I have seen enough WWJD signs to be curious about the culture behind it.
This book explains the who, what, why, and expense of Christian pop-culture. Unfortunalty, I'm not a pop-culutre person, so a lot of the references were lost on me. (The author, a secul More...
Oct 25, 2011
Jessica
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Here's another one to which I don't have time to do justice. This was fascinating and a great read (it reminded me a lot of "The Year of Living Biblically" and indeed had an endorsement from A. J. Jacobs on the back cover).
I was very impressed by how kind Radosh was; you could look at the fringes of Christian pop culture and easily write something scathing and well-received. Instead, Radosh really looked not just for the worst of Christian pop culture but also for the best More...
I was very impressed by how kind Radosh was; you could look at the fringes of Christian pop culture and easily write something scathing and well-received. Instead, Radosh really looked not just for the worst of Christian pop culture but also for the best More...
Dec 14, 2011
Sarah
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Daniel Radosh draws you into a parallel universe in which pop culture, on the surface looks relatively similar to what you would find in the pop culture you are familiar with. On second glance, everything has a Jesus twist. Everything from Jesus Dance Dance Revolution to WWJD erasers, this book explores it all.
The chapters I found particularly interesting were about Christian rock, Christian dating/ marriage/ sex advice, and Christian theme parks.
Everything in this book was present More...
The chapters I found particularly interesting were about Christian rock, Christian dating/ marriage/ sex advice, and Christian theme parks.
Everything in this book was present More...
Sep 06, 2009
Jessica
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It is a traverse into the broad burgeoning Christian pop-culture market, replete with characters, money makers and the timeless sway of what to do about people you can't pinpoint or label let alone understand or find truce with. I thought it was even-handed and fair. Radoosh goes out of his way to view every experience with an open mind (with the exception of his brilliant Stephen Baldwin interview) and despite all the negativity and walls he meets, finds room for optimism and a closing call for
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Jan 01, 2012
Frederick
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A fascinating view inside the alternative world of evangelical Christian culture. As someone who knows nothing about the subject it was eye opening to say the least. Within the world of Christian culture there is pretty much everything that there is in the world of secular culture. The book talks about Christian book publishing, rock music, theme parks, TV shows, movies, festivals, children's books, comedians, professional wrestling (!), sex advice (!!) and museums. The book includes intervi
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Apr 14, 2010
Kristen
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This author of this book calls himself a humanistic Jew, so he's pretty far from where I consider myself to be on the theological spectrum. I expected to be a little defensive about some things in this book, and I was. But, there was a lot of humor and good insight that I still thought it was worth a read. It felt a little like when I moved from small town Texas to Chicago and I had the chance to hear what non-Texans thought about my home state. Some of it was so right it was painful to hear,
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Dec 02, 2008
Elena
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This was a super good one. Written by secular author Dan Radosh, it details a lot of the things we evangelicals do to desperately keep up with society including making our own "Christian" versions of literature, art, music, superheroes (BIBLEMAN!), wrestling and sex. The book is hilarious and Radosh is pretty respectful, giving a balanced perspective while laughing in his sleeve. He also figured out pretty early on that Falwell's Xtianity is NOT normative and does not account for wh
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Jun 25, 2010
Kelly
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For the most part, I really enjoyed this book (although he got a little unnecessarily snarky at the end, I thought). I was expecting this to be really funny--and parts are--but it's more of a sociological look at Christian pop culture than an AJ Jacobs-style book.
Still, it's definitely worth the read. I got some reading suggestions (Ted Dekker, who I had actually heard of before, of course) and learned more about a lot of things I wasn't really aware of. So if you're in the mood f More...
Still, it's definitely worth the read. I got some reading suggestions (Ted Dekker, who I had actually heard of before, of course) and learned more about a lot of things I wasn't really aware of. So if you're in the mood f More...
Jan 13, 2012
Joanna
rated it:
This author has my sense of humor exactly. I find myself agreeing with every snarky observation. Mostly that...
Christians are crazy. Not Scientology crazy, but they are pretty nutty. They seem to know this though, because every time Radosh calls them out they pretty much know exactly what he's complaining about and have doubts, too. I mean, they are on the whole intelligent, loving people. They just try to ignore doubt because, you know, Jesus. He's supposed to remove all doubt, righ More...
Christians are crazy. Not Scientology crazy, but they are pretty nutty. They seem to know this though, because every time Radosh calls them out they pretty much know exactly what he's complaining about and have doubts, too. I mean, they are on the whole intelligent, loving people. They just try to ignore doubt because, you know, Jesus. He's supposed to remove all doubt, righ More...
Apr 03, 2011
Bianca
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I feel very torn about this book. Some chapters, especially those on the Christian music scene as well as the book's conclusion, were incredibly nuanced and insightful. Others, though, came across as shallow and mean (the author veered into snide mocking territory more often than I felt comfortable with and he also seemed to go out of his way to feel insulted by aspects of the culture he was investigating).
In the end, it's quite difficult to examine any culture fairly where you make a More...
In the end, it's quite difficult to examine any culture fairly where you make a More...
Jan 06, 2011
Travis
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I originally heard about this book from a review by by a friend, which I can't find now, and I immediately wanted to read it (which of course meant it went on my wishlist and I didn't get it for ages). A lot of the stuff he talks about in the book is after my time, but even so, a lot of this is so familiar to me. I was never the super Christian kid, the one who's all into the Bible and excited about God (though I knew quite a few who were), but I did grow up in this sort of environment and it wa
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Feb 09, 2009
Sara
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Often entertaining. I think many of the chapters felt like they stood on their own, so I dipped in and out a bit, and didn't read every chapter. Though Radosh pulls it together at the end - his Christian-pop-culture-tourist experience leads him to conclude that Christian media and culture skews more conservative than the Christian population. And therefore, that bridging the gap between Christian/general culture would help 1) encourage more liberal Christian cultural expression, and 2) bring
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Oct 02, 2009
Matt
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I quite enjoyed this book, which showed me a great deal of Christian pop culture (generally evangelical pop culture) I knew nothing about. Did you know that there's Christian, WWE-style wrestling? Or Christian raves? I sure didn't.
The book is funny and generally quite warm. I'm enjoying my tour through the micro-genre of "books about religion written by intellectually curious outsides" (see also The Year of Living Biblically). I'm frustrated when Radosh meets terribly intoler More...
The book is funny and generally quite warm. I'm enjoying my tour through the micro-genre of "books about religion written by intellectually curious outsides" (see also The Year of Living Biblically). I'm frustrated when Radosh meets terribly intoler More...
Sep 21, 2009
LolaGeek
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In Rapture Ready, Daniel Radosh (who is Jewish, by the way) explores the world of Christian pop culture, which basically parallels secular pop culture - they have their own music, books, magazines, wrestling, theme parks, raves, comedians, etc. Without disguising himself or anything, he goes to these places to meet and interview the people involved.
The early chapters were pretty interesting to me, talking about the Christian music scene and Christian books - including different versi More...
The early chapters were pretty interesting to me, talking about the Christian music scene and Christian books - including different versi More...
Jan 17, 2012
Elizabeth
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4.5 stars.
If you read The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible and wanted to shout “Hallelujah” by the end, I would highly recommend this book to you.
If you are curious about Evangelical Christians, and are not one yourself, I would recommend this book.
If you are an Evangelical who would like some insight into how Evangelicals are perceived by outsiders, I would recommend this book. (Disclaimer: There a More...
If you read The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible and wanted to shout “Hallelujah” by the end, I would highly recommend this book to you.
If you are curious about Evangelical Christians, and are not one yourself, I would recommend this book.
If you are an Evangelical who would like some insight into how Evangelicals are perceived by outsiders, I would recommend this book. (Disclaimer: There a More...
