Roadside Religion

Beal quietly goes beneath the surface to show you that what you see is not always what you get . . . [Answers] questions you might never have thought of asking, even as it keeps the pages turning. --Caroline Leavitt, Boston Sunday Globe A definitively open-minded professor of religion . . . In his introduction, Beal notes that his daughter, Sophie, has said that what he likes to do 'is make creepy things interesting.' Smart girl. --Sarah Ferrell, New York Times Book Review Full of gentle humor and clever observations . . . Whether he's tackling the popularity of biblical mini-golf courses or Precious Moments figurines, Beal . . . uncovers serious questions about religion and its sometimes highly singular practitioners. --Publishers Weekly, starred review [An] informative meditation on American religion. --Ray Waddle, Tennessean If you're in the mood for a contemporary American-style religious pilgrimage, this book can help you have a good time reflecting while you journey. --Judith Klamm, Presbyterians Today An enjoyable read that would have succeeded as a quirky guide to Christian-themed tourist traps. It goes further in showing that people can find their faith in strange ways-even in a twisted landscape of wooden crosses, rusty appliances and fire-and-brimstone graffiti declaring, 'Hell. Hell. Hot. Hot.' --Cleveland Magazine Roadside Religion is a generous and intelligent guide to some of the most unusual expressions of faith that grace the American Landscape. --Body and Soul The book is full of good humor, and Beal doesn't patronize the creators of these attractions but accords them respect and dignity . . . Entertaining, quirky, and surprisingly thoughtful. --Booklist With humor and sensitivity, [Beal] analyzes the substance of American faith as he explores what these places mean to the people who made them and to the people who visit them. --Religion News Service