Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewSanders takes readers through a myriad of sources, ranging from medieval Jewish legends about Lilith to episodes of The Simpsons and movies such as Pleasantville (1998). . . . Recommended. * CHOICE, April 2010 *
Her study reveals the assumptions we have made about what the story both says and doesn't say. She accomplishes this in articulate fashion that engages, informs, and entertains without being pedantic. Through the lens of modern cultural phenomena she lets us glimpse how the chronicle from the first chapters of Genesis touches our lives in ways we may not even be aware of.... * Confetti Antiques and Books, February 2010 *
Her study reveals the assumptions we have made about what the story both says and doesn't say. She accomplishes this in articulate fashion that engages, informs, and entertains without being pedantic. Through the lens of modern cultural phenomena she lets us glimpse how the chronicle from the first chapters of Genesis touches our lives in ways we may not even be aware of. * Confetti Antiques and Books, February 2010 *
Theresa Sanders...has blessed us with a commentary that is scholarly, contemporary, perceptive and often very funny. Approaching Eden traces the 'first sin' through centuries of theological speculation and 80 years of fiction, film and television. * National Catholic Reporter *
Sanders's work is often fascinating and always suggestive in how it illuminates the connections between Gen 2—3 and popular cultural products. * Relegere: Studies in Religion and Reception *
Adam and Eve have become icons, pop stars. Their mythical presence emerges in The Simpsons, New Yorker cartoons, and Beech-Nut baby food advertisements. Approaching Eden is a delightfully serious romp through pop culture's religious unconscious. -- S. Brent Plate, Hamilton College, author, Blasphemy: Art that Offends; managing editor, Material Religion
Theresa Sanders' Approaching Eden gives us another adventure in Paradise with her fruitful analysis of the Adam and Eve biblical story within popular film and television. Ranging through drama to science fiction, horror to the Jesus genre and beyond, it is a veritable tree of knowledge. Her interfaith exploration of Genesis is an especially devilish delight. -- Anton Karl Kozlovic, Flinders University, Guest Editor, Australian Religion Studies Review
Approaching Eden is without a doubt the most engaging and instructive book that I have read on reflections in popular culture of our foundational mythic text. -- John R. May, Louisiana State University, author of Nourishing Faith through Fiction
Approaching Eden is a gift to anyone attempting to bring faith and life closer in a world filled with mediated stories: in this case, tales and images influenced by the Biblical creation narrative of Genesis 1-3. Sanders is fearless in her critical analysis but never cavalier. Her prose is energetic and accessible; her surveys broad and her insights bold. Sanders makes theology a pleasure while enticing the reader to deeper theological scrutiny of accepted widely-held interpretations of Genesis through representations of Adam and Eve from movies to museums. Approaching Eden is an intellectual and spiritual delight. -- Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP, founding director, Pauline Center for Media Studies;
St. Anthony Messenger film and television columnist
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 In the Beginning Chapter 2 And God Said Chapter 3 A Helper Fit for Him Chapter 4 Fig Leaves Chapter 5 The Curse of Adam Chapter 6 The Curse of Eve Chapter 7 Monkeyshines Chapter 8 Back to Nature Chapter 9 Paradise Regained Chapter 10 The Final Frontier Appendix: Additional Uses of Adam and Eve in Film
