Evangelical Youth Culture: Alternative Music and Extreme Sports Subcultures

This book explores the intersections of contemporary Christianity and youth culture, focusing on evangelical engagements with punk, hip hop, surfing, and skateboarding, using interviews and fieldwork with musicians and sports enthusiasts in various countries. It introduces the serious leisure perspective to the study of religion, youth, and popular culture and offers an original contribution to the sociology of religion, youth studies, and the study of religion and popular culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Evangelical Youth Culture: Alternative Music and Extreme Sports Subcultures is a theoretically sophisticated and empirically rich study of the intersections of contemporary Christianity and youth culture. Ibrahim Abraham draws on interviews and fieldwork with dozens of musicians and sports enthusiasts in the USA, UK, Australia, and South Africa, as well as the analysis of evangelical subcultural media including music, film, and extreme sports Bibles. The book introduces the serious leisure perspective to the study of religion, youth, and popular culture and makes innovative use of multiple theories of youth cultures and subcultures from sociology and cultural studies. Engaging with the experiences of Pentecostal punks, surfing missionaries, township rappers, and skateboarding youth pastors, the book makes an original contribution to the sociology of religion, youth studies, and the study of religion and popular culture.

Evangelical Youth Culture: Alternative Music and Extreme Sports Subcultures offers a theoretically sophisticated and empirically rich study of the intersections of contemporary Christianity and youth culture. Ibrahim Abraham draws on interviews and fieldwork with dozens of musicians and sports enthusiasts in the USA, UK, Australia, and South Africa, as well as the analysis of evangelical subcultural media including music, film, and extreme sports Bibles. The book introduces the serious leisure perspective to the study of religion, youth, and popular culture and makes innovative use of multiple theories of youth cultures and subcultures from sociology and cultural studies. Engaging with the experiences of Pentecostal punks, surfing missionaries, township rappers, and skateboarding youth pastors, the book makes an original contribution to the sociology of religion, youth studies, and the study of religion and popular culture.

Evangelical Youth Culture: Alternative Music and Extreme Sports Subcultures is a groundbreaking book that explores the intersections of contemporary Christianity and youth culture through the lens of alternative music and extreme sports subcultures. Drawing on extensive interviews and fieldwork with musicians and sports enthusiasts from various countries, the author, Ibrahim Abraham, offers a theoretically sophisticated and empirically rich study that challenges traditional assumptions about religion and youth.

One of the key strengths of the book is its use of multiple theories of youth cultures and subcultures from sociology and cultural studies. Abraham draws on a range of theories, including the serious leisure perspective, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of youth culture and its impact on religion. This approach allows the author to explore the ways in which youth culture shapes religious beliefs, practices, and identities, as well as the ways in which religion can influence youth culture.

Another notable feature of the book is its analysis of evangelical subcultural media, including music, film, and extreme sports Bibles. Abraham argues that these media play a significant role in shaping the beliefs and practices of evangelical youth, and he provides a detailed analysis of their content and impact. This analysis reveals the ways in which evangelical youth are using these media to express their faith, connect with others, and challenge traditional norms.

The book also includes engaging case studies of Pentecostal punks, surfing missionaries, township rappers, and skateboarding youth pastors. These case studies provide a vivid and personal perspective on the experiences of these youth and the ways in which they have been influenced by their religious beliefs and practices. Abraham's analysis of these case studies reveals the complex and multifaceted nature of youth culture and the ways in which it intersects with religion.

One of the key findings of the book is that evangelical youth culture is characterized by a sense of rebellion and resistance. Abraham argues that this rebellion is driven by a desire to challenge the dominant cultural norms and values that are often associated with Christianity. This rebellion is expressed through a variety of means, including alternative music, extreme sports, and social activism.

However, Abraham also notes that evangelical youth culture is not without its challenges. He argues that the emphasis on rebellion and resistance can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from mainstream society. This can be particularly problematic for young people who are seeking to integrate their religious beliefs and practices into their daily lives.

To address these challenges, Abraham suggests that evangelical youth should be encouraged to engage in meaningful and authentic relationships with others. He argues that this can be achieved through the development of community-based programs and the promotion of interfaith dialogue.

In conclusion, Evangelical Youth Culture: Alternative Music and Extreme Sports Subcultures is a groundbreaking book that offers a theoretically sophisticated and empirically rich study of the intersections of contemporary Christianity and youth culture. Drawing on extensive interviews and fieldwork with musicians and sports enthusiasts from various countries, the author provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of youth culture and its impact on religion. The book's analysis of evangelical subcultural media and engaging case studies of Pentecostal punks, surfing missionaries, township rappers, and skateboarding youth pastors make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the study of religion, youth, and popular culture.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350108080