Synopses & Reviews
Review
Praise for Rapture Ready
Daniel Radosh writes about evangelical culture with brilliance, humor, and understanding. Everyone should read this book.” A.J. Jacobs, author of The Know-It-All and The Year of Living Biblically
A rich exploration of the realm . . . Reading Radoshs book is like coming across another planet hidden somewhere on Earth where everything is just exactly like it is here except blue or made out of plastic.” Slate
Radosh is open about his own biases and shortcomings, and responds with astonishing intellectual and emotional honesty to the people and ideas he encounters.” The Boston Globe Magazine
Praise for Daniel Radosh:
Radosh has the astute sense of a journalist and the evocative humor of a stand-up comic.” Publishers Weekly
Entertaining, often enlightening . . . Radosh takes his role of reporter in an unfamiliar land seriously, yet he isnt afraid to use his well-honed wit to good advantage.” Booklist
What happens when a secular liberal enters a conservative Christian subculture? Yes, hes grossed out at times, appalled at least once, amused sometimes, and cussin mad at other timesand maybe even a little scared on occasion. But in the end, he offers evaluations and insights that might be considered downright prophetic, and compassionate too. No evangelical insider could have down as good a job as Daniel Radosh. Hes a witty, energetic, and insightful writer who grabs your attention and interest on page one and wont let go until hes escorted you to a powerful conclusion in the final paragraphs.” Brian McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christian and Everything Must Change
Radosh has discovered a world that is hilarious, unpredictable, and lucrative! It seems theres a foreign country in America and its right down the street . . . and now Im not so sure that Im not the foreigner.” Sam Seder, Air America Radio
This book . . . deserves to be a great discussion starter in Christian circles.” Beliefnet.com
The greatest lesson in the book is not in what Radosh says with words but what he teaches by way of his tremendous example. If Christians treated American pop culture with the same respectful criticism and discerning openness that Radosh employed when examining the evangelical universe
these two cultures could have a productive encounter.” First Things: The Journal of Religion, Culture, and Public Life
Opening his readers to a complex subculture with an abundance of unusual characters, Radoshs traveling road show is riveting, side-splitting, and thoughtful.” The Jerusalem Post
A fascinating and funny exploration of exactly what the title indicates, leavened with empathy.” McSweeneys
Radosh paints complex portraits of modern, spiritually engaged Americans struggling to define their faith and its role in the world at large and is his best in these encounters, proving himself a keen observer. He is skilled at teasing out the truths and contradictions of his subjects, many of whom he describes with lyrical precision.” American Conservative
The book is full of surprises and tonal shifts, and made me look at not just evangelical culture but American pop culture and Jewish culture in a new light.” The Forward
Written with style and sensitivity, the book is at turns comical and spiritually uplifting.” The Salt Lake Tribune
Synopsis
What does it mean when a band is judged by how hard they pray rather than how hard they rock? Would Jesus buy Got Jesus?” T-shirts or sport witness wear”? What do Christian skate parks, raves, and romance novels say about evangelicalism and America?
Meticulously reported, with the perfect blend of amusement and respect, Rapture Ready! is the story of Daniel Radoshs investigation into the wondrous but deeply weird world of Christian pop culture. This sprawling subculture a $7 billion industry and growing provides crucial insight into the social, spiritual, and political aspirations of evangelical Christians.
In 18 towns from the Bible Belt to the outskirts of Hollywood, Radosh encounters dozens of memorable characters, including Bibleman, the Caped Christian; Rob Adonis, the founder and star of ultimate Christian wrestling; Ken Ham, the nations leading prophet of creationism; and Jay Baker, the son of Jim and Tammy Faye Baker and pastor of his own liberal, punk rock church.
From Christian theme parks to Passion plays and comedy nights, Radosh combines gonzo reporting with a keen eye for detail and just the right touch of wit. Rapture Ready! is a revealing survey of a parallel universe, a unique perspective on one of Americas most important social movements.
Synopsis
Written with a perfect blend of curiosity and respect, "Rapture Ready!" is an insightful, enlightening, and weird journey through Christian pop culture--with it pulpy novels, music, creationism museums, and more--by talented "New Yorker" writer Radosh.