From the Publisher
What I cannot help but wonder is whether and how this archetype [that of successful evangelical leaders in America] is applicable to other religions in America, or to successful brands of Christianity outside of the United States. In this sense, the book's methodology and theoretical positioning is potentially groundbreaking in the broader field of religious studies. While it is recommended to the interested and informed general reader, and to students of Christianity and of contemporary religion in America, the book's theoretical strength makes it a valuable read for students and scholars of contemporary popular religion more widely."-Journal of Religion and Culture,
"Holy Mavericks is a clearly written and accessible book. It raises theoretical issues and offers colorful and descriptive analysis of each leader without getting lost in the minutiae... I find their explanation for the success of these evangelical innovators convincing and especially applicable to the present state of American culture and evangelicalism specifically. Holy Mavericks makes a descriptive contribution to the supply-side/religious economies perspective on the success of religion in America."-Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion,
"The value of the book lies in its descriptive detail of five mega-church leaders, giving the reader a feel for the broader evangelical landscape and offering numerous textual references along the way. Given its brevity and accessible narrative style, this book would make excellent reading for an undergraduate introduction to American evangelical religion. Students will be impressed with the tremendous influence of these evangelical 'superstars' and the book will pique interest in the study and critique of American religion. Additionally, scholars will appreciate the very helpful bibliographic essay that neatly documents the steady growth of research in the theory of religious economy, which essentially began with Peter Berger's The Sacred Canopy (1967)."-Studies in Religion / Sciences Religieuses,
"[P]rovides useful background about popular religious figures whose names may be familiar but whose ministries are often misunderstood, especially in the academic study of religion. The text complicates popular notions of evangelicalism as it tries to account for evangelicalism's broad appeal."-Pneuma,
"These evangelical innovators are household names, thanks in large part to their multimedia know-how, but they preach a conservative message—often regarded as antiquated. Most important, their ministries supply existential fulfillment to existential demands. This book (especially the bibliographic essay "Theory of Religious Economy") will most appeal to scholars and students. However, curious readers will enjoy it as well. Highly recommended."
-Library Journal
