Barbara Ehrenreich’s Bright-Sided Explores the Dark Side of Positive Thinking
A new book reveals the historical roots and conservative uses of the positive thinking movement, showing how it encourages victim-blaming, political complacency, and a culture-wide flight from realism.
Prosperity, Spiritual Warfare, and the “On-Demand” God
Given that so many powerful Pentecostals and Charismatics, like Senator John Ensign and Sarah Palin, are embroiled in high-profile scandals, one might expect to hear more about the movements that unite them. Anthea Butler, a leading scholar on Pentecostalism and American religious history, traces the various movements and their theologies of wealth, healing, and dominion.
Media Fails to Report on Joel Osteen’s Unsavory Choice of Charity
In a recent visit to Yankee Stadium, the Family Osteen preached its Cotton Candy Gospel. Why did the media overlook the deep pockets of the sponsors of the costly event and the dubious nature of the charity they pushed?
RDBook: Selling the Good News
Who put the mega in megachurch? Two new books, one on star evangelicals and one that focuses on African-American televangelists, tell the story—and explain the remarkable influence of celebrity preachers in the religious marketplace.
From 'Hour of Power' to 'Minutes of Impotence'
It's sink or swim for the "Prodigal Sons" of Televangelism like 30-year-old Frederick Price Jr. who takes over his father's ministry after "Hip Hop Sunday"...