Is creativity always inside the mind of God? Ok, not my typical read. This book was ok. It is not my typical read, but rather class material. The author was effective in his goal of a thoughtful and reflective summary of many trips to various American Christian roadside attractions. It can make you think, if you allow yourself to be reflective. May 13, John rated it really liked it. Many of us have noticed the religious attractions — the Christian kitsch — that exist in so many corners of the country, and Timothy Beal argues that we tend to dismiss these sites too quickly.

Behind many of these places is a person who has had a meaningful religious experience, and feels called to share it. Beal combines the stories of these visits with his own philosophical journey, as a Professor of Religion, who was raised Evangelical, and is married to a Presbyterian minister, and has a very complicated relationship with faith. It ends up being understandably hard to be cynical when the creators of most sites are so eager to share their stories. Beal expects them to be dogmatic and off-putting, but they are welcoming and appear to be operating out of genuine concern for lost souls.

Precious Moments Park, filled with hordes of those treacly little figures, turns out to be centered on a chapel dedicated to the late son of the creator of the brand. He was able to deal with his grief at least in part through the paintings and statues he made for the park. Many guests experiencing similar trauma also report finding comfort there.

The creators had hoped to build a sacred space that would allow people to experience the divine, and they appear to have succeeded.

Spring/Summer Religion Books

The only real flop on the tour is the least personal site: The man who created it intended for it to promote a particular eschatological view, and the park is not up front about this. In addition, it seems overproduced and slick, lacking in humble faith and hospitality.

It is easy to identify with the Beal family as they explore these fascinating little corners of the country. Some of the sites align with the theme of the book a little better than others, however. The mini-golf course seems less a genuine expression of faith and more an attempt to make a buck off of godly parents trying to find a Christian way to entertain their kids.

Also, sadly, the book is a little out of date — most of the visits recounted here took place almost a decade ago, and several sites have since closed or are under new management. They offer up another interpretation of what it means to be faithful in America. Jan 10, Bethany rated it liked it Shelves: Timothy Beal is a religion professor at a university in Ohio; one summer he packed up his family in an RV and toodled around the country looking at kitschy religious theme parks, and the like, to do an analysis. Roadside Religion is the result of this - and several other - forays into this strange world.

Beal treats all of the locations with a gentle honesty, showing them for what they really are. I was most impressed with his treatment of Cross Garden, which is a truly bizarre place; Beal sees the attitudes and desires behind the place rather than just what is on the surface. Nov 29, Ashur rated it liked it Shelves: Very respectful treatment of this topic. My only complaint is that I wish the book had been longer and covered more sites; this is a testament to my enjoyment of it. Jan 19, Peacegal rated it liked it. This book tours a uniquely American industry: Aug 23, S Brent rated it it was amazing.

Makes me want to get a motor home and drive. But I doubt I'd find the courage to discover all that Beal did here. The armchair travels worked well for me. Mar 09, Frank Roberts rated it really liked it Shelves: A touching and endearing exploration of the "awesome absurdity of faith", as manifested in roadside religious attractions.

Sep 12, Heidi rated it really liked it. I came across this while working on my thesis. I had no idea these places existed: Aug 08, Carissa rated it it was amazing. Hilarious, and unexpectedly moving. Kathryn rated it it was amazing Apr 24, Joseph rated it it was amazing Sep 06, Paula rated it it was amazing Jul 13, Matthew rated it really liked it Mar 31, Drew rated it liked it Aug 29, Laura rated it liked it Sep 15, Should law govern the conduct of religious individuals and institutions?

Unveiling the Secret Life of Bees Mar. The Nearly Perfect Crime Mar. Smith is a guide for exercising faith in God for healing. Studies in Cistercian Art and Architecture, Vol. Bell projects the 17th-century figure against his colorful French world. Celebrating the Pagan Soul: From the Ten Commandments to Chicken Soup: Tales of an Unearthly Love Apr. The Future of Religion Mar.

Leonard identifies Baptist beliefs and practices as well as the varied groups that claim the name. Battle Cry for a Generation Mar. Each confronts the 12 most common untruths. Mike Dickman translates this guide for followers of the Nyingma tradition. Gutterman covers the Civil Rights movement, Promise Keepers and more. Mocha with Max Mar. Each page offers an inspiring thought. When God Is Silent Mar. Swindoll makes God's truths a reality to those experiencing loss, uncertainty and doubt.

The Choice Is Yours Apr. Maxwell leads to better decision-making in 16 key aspects of life. The former head of Wal-Mart advances values of integrity and ethics in the workplace and elsewhere. Path of Wisdom, Path of Peace: Deitzen presents this book to the general trade market for the first time. God and Man at Georgetown Prep: The revised edition includes new anecdotes, a study guide on marital fidelity and a DVD.

Contributors counsel freeing the church from cultural and sexual captivity. The Quest for Contentment Apr. Kapp removes dark clouds that challenge one's confidence. Eve and the Mortal Journey: A Life Reborn Mar. The Holocaust-survivor moved to Israel and then to the U. The Siddur Companion Mar. Lifting the Veil of Silence: Spiritual Help for Hearing Loss Apr. The Adventure of Spiritual Mentoring Mar. Why the Jews Rejected Jesus Mar. Prayer Is a Place: PW 's former religion editor recounts her 12 years chronicling religion in American culture.

See a Problem?

Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness Apr. In the New England town of Dorsetville, miracles are never far away. The Essential Yoga Sutras: Faith, Word and Culture: The Way It Was: Carried by the Current: Sermons from Duke Chapel: Willimon, selects the best sermons delivered over 75 years. Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: Peterson is a clear and practical statement of what it means to live out the Christian life.

Millet highlights both differences and beliefs in common. Did God Have a Wife?


  • Amour... sans honte (French Edition)?
  • ?
  • More than hair: How I beat baldness - cause & cure?
  • Distance, silence: Du je le plus difficile à découvrir, celui qui vit au jour le jour, se déploie le multiple je sous toutes ses facettes, sans le ... de mon histoi (Temps Réel) (French Edition).
  • Roadside Religion: In Search of the Sacred, the Strange, and the Substance of Faith;

Dever relies on recently discovered evidence and new insights into biblical texts. The Right to Be Wrong: Religion and Freedom in Pluralistic America Apr. Thirteen and a Day: A DVD is included with this citation of four ingredients for a successful "time out. The Merton Annual, Vol. The Animals' Lawsuit Against Humanity: All members of the animal kingdom complain of the dreadful treatment they have received.

Desisting from Selfish Calculation Apr. Finding God in the Singing River: Christianity, Spirit, Nature Mar.


  1. Défends toi! (FICTION) (French Edition).
  2. How to Become a Model: Getting Started From Dream To Modeling Success!!
  3. Drei Gespenstergeschichten für Kinder zum Vorlesen (German Edition).
  4. When I Grow Too Old to Dream!
  5. .
  6. !
  7. Wallace finds God the spirit in earth community and inhuman bodies without giving up a Christ-centered theology. A Spirituality of Racial Reconciliation Apr. International experts discuss the world's major beliefs. Losing Moses on the Freeway: Understanding the Bible Text: Onkelos on the Pentateuch Apr. Curran names the beliefs that underlie the pope's moral teachings.

    Roadside Religion: In Search of the Sacred, the Strange, and the Substance of Faith by Timothy Beal

    A Story of Transformation Apr. The Silence of John Mar. Lliteras is a novel that depicts the pain and anguish of Jesus on the cross. Peace Is the Way Mar. The Sins of Scripture Apr. What We Ache For Apr. Creativity is seen as a way of cultivating a spiritually rich life. Lewis are four mini-hardcovers merchandised as C. The Journeys of Socrates Apr. The Gnostic Gospels of Jesus Mar. Taking Faith Seriously Mar.

    Nine case studies illustrate how religion can play a role in strengthening a democracy. King explores the concept of heresy as a tool in forming religious identity. More Faith in My Day Mar. Moonlight on the Millpond Mar. Discovering the Ultimate Relationship Mar. Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair Mar. Elizabeth MacKinlay includes discussions on how to provide effective pastoral practice in aged care.

    Goss and Donald L. Boisvert indicts Roman Catholic teachings on homosexuality and sexuality. Dealing with the Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Menopause: LeBron McBride addresses personal spiritual disillusionment with the church. The Fathers of the Church: A Comprehensive Introduction Apr. The Eucharist and the Church Apr. Traveling with the Saints in Italy: How to Read a Church: Guilt destroys us, says Vahni, but true remorse is the entry into truth. The Wall Street Journal reporter illuminates hidden relationships linking the Islamic world to our own.

    After his daughter converts to Christianity, a New York attorney takes the Holy Spirit to trial to win her back. Bite-sized essays induce smiles. Finding a Man Worth Keeping Aug.

    A spiritual journey through India concludes Haas's autobiographical trilogy. The Best of Guideposts Mar. Miracles of the Bible Mar. Hogan, retells 65 miracles with accompanying color photographs of ancient monuments and lands. The Blessing of a Mother's Love Mar. You Can Understand the Bible Mar. Literary Giants, Literary Catholics Mar. Photographs by Darryl D.

    Jones depict the Amish today. On the Edge of the Future: Kripal and Glenn W.