First published 1994
Lawrence Wright examines the complex world of American religion through six provocative figures who shaped faith in unexpected ways. He profiles televangilist Jimmy Swaggart, whose fiery sermons crumbled after a prostitution scandal in a cheap motel. Anton LaVey founded the First Church of Satan as an elaborate performance of theatrical rebellion. Atheist activist Madalyn Murray O'Hair fought religious expression in courts with the fervor of a true believer. Dominican priest Matthew Fox challenged Vatican orthodoxy by rejecting original sin and calling the church dysfunctional. Methodist minister Walker Railey seemed destined for greatness until police suspected him of trying to kill his wife. Southern Baptist preacher Will Campbell became a legend by defying conventional religious thinking. Wright lets each subject speak in their own voice, revealing how passion and faith can lead to both transcendence and catastrophe. The book captures the contradictions inherent in American spirituality, where grace and scandal often occupy the same space.
Genres: 20th-century, american, religion, non-fiction, biography-memoir, 21st-century, christianity
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: character-study, religious-conflict
Period: 20th-Century, 21st-Century
Hardcover · Random House Value Publishing
Content warnings: sexual-content