A Higher Purpose
What happens when a secular Jewish feminist immerses herself in the world of Evangelical Christians
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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.
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Julie Subrin is Tablet Magazine’s executive producer for audio.