Description
Book SynopsisIn Christianity, as with most religions, attaining holiness and a higher spirituality while simultaneously pursuing worldly ideals such as fame and fortune is nearly impossible. This book looks at religion among the ""creative class."" It is suitable for those who wants to understand how religion adapts to social change.
Trade ReviewDrawing on rich ethnographic data from his study of Oasis Christian Center in Hollywood, Gerardo Marti describes an emergent style of neo-Pentecostal worship and religious community that speaks to members of the 'creative class' of youthful Millennials who are in their 20s and early 30s. This cutting-edge analysis of where religion may be heading is theoretically sophisticated and yet highly readable. -- Donald E. Miller * Executive Director of the Center for Religion and Civic Culture, University of S *
Drawing on rich ethnographic data from his study of Oasis Christian Center in Hollywood, Gerardo Marti describes an emergent style of neo-Pentecostal worship and religious community that speaks to members of the 'creative class' of youthful Millennials who are in their 20s and early 30s. This cutting-edge analysis of where religion may be heading is theoretically sophisticated and yet highly readable. -- Donald E. Miller * Executive Director of the Center for Religion and Civic Culture, University of S *
Addressing the perspectives of students of religion, media and the film industry, and ethnic differences, the book speaks to all three subjects, combining them in a novel, interesting fashion. Highly recommended. * Choice *
Hollywood Faith is an engaging ethnography that makes multiple contributions to the sociology of contemporary U.S. religion. Marti's analysis of Oasis, a fast-growing multiracial church in Hollywood, CA, contributes much to our understanding of multiracial churches in a nation whose religious landscape has long been divided by race and ethnicity. The careful attention to congregational dynamics and how they support a multiracial congregation make this a valuable addition to literature on religion, race, and ethnicity. * Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion *
Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments
1. Introduction: Negotiating Holiness and Hollywood
2. The Making of a Star: Hollywood as Destination and Dream
3. Love and Hate between Hollywood and Christianity
4. Save the World, Starting in Hollywood
5. Celebrity, Heartache, and the Pressue to Make It
6. Religion: Playing at a Theater Near You
7. Fade to Black
8. Becoming Champions of Life
9. Conclusion: Religion in the Era of Identity Commodification
Appendix: Research Methodology
Notes
Bibliography
Index
