Navigate to Belief section

A Higher Purpose

What happens when a secular Jewish feminist immerses herself in the world of Evangelical Christians

by
September 12, 2006

In 1998, Lauren Sandler began work on a series on youth and religion for NPR. Her research took her to a small church in Seattle that attracted skateboarders, punks and hipsters decked out in vintage fashion – all of whom were exceptionally well-versed in the bible.

Nearly a decade later, Sandler is still tracking an Evangelical Christian youth movement that is fast-growing and nationwide. She talks to us about the people she’s met on her journey, and about the implications of their lifestyle and faith for a progressive, secular Jew like her. Her stories are collected in the book Righteous: Dispatches from the Evangelical Youth Movement.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Julie Subrin is Tablet Magazine’s executive producer for audio.