About the book
In the world of the evangelical romance novel, sex and desire are mitigated by an omnipresent third party — the divine. Thus romance is not just an encounter between lovers, but a triangle of affection: man, woman, and God. Although this literature is often disparaged by scholars and pastors alike, inspirational fiction plays a unique and important role in the religious lives of many evangelical women. In an engaging study of why women read evangelical romance novels, Lynn S. Neal interviews writers and readers of the genre and finds a complex religious piety among ordinary people.
In evangelical love stories, the success of the hero and heroine’s romance rests upon their religious choices. These fictional religious choices, readers report, often inspire real spiritual change in their own lives. Amidst the demands of daily life or during a challenge to one’s faith, these books offer a respite from problems and a time for fun, but they also provide a means to cultivate piety and to appreciate the unconditional power of God’s love. The reading of inspirational fiction emerges from and reinforces an evangelical lifestyle, Neal argues, but women’s interpretations of the stories demonstrate the constant negotiations that characterize evangelical living. Neal’s study of religion in practice highlights evangelicalism’s aesthetic sensibility and helps to alter conventional understandings — both secular and religious — of this prominent subculture.
Editions of Romancing God
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807829981
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807856703
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807877197
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890879592
Read an Excerpt
In the world of the evangelical romance novel, sex and desire are mitigated by an omnipresent third party — the divine. Thus romance is not just an encounter between lovers, but a triangle of affection: man, woman, and God. Although this literature is often disparaged by scholars and pastors alike, inspirational fiction plays a unique and important role in the religious lives of many evangelical women. In an engaging study of why women read evangelical romance novels, Lynn S. Neal interviews writers and readers of the genre and finds a complex religious piety among ordinary people.
In evangelical love stories, the success of the hero and heroine’s romance rests upon their religious choices. These fictional religious choices, readers report, often inspire real spiritual change in their own lives. Amidst the demands of daily life or during a challenge to one’s faith, these books offer a respite from problems and a time for fun, but they also provide a means to cultivate piety and to appreciate the unconditional power of God’s love. The reading of inspirational fiction emerges from and reinforces an evangelical lifestyle, Neal argues, but women’s interpretations of the stories demonstrate the constant negotiations that characterize evangelical living. Neal’s study of religion in practice highlights evangelicalism’s aesthetic sensibility and helps to alter conventional understandings — both secular and religious — of this prominent subculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Romancing God about?
In the world of the evangelical romance novel, sex and desire are mitigated by an omnipresent third party — the divine. Thus romance is not just an encounter between lovers, but a triangle of affection: man, woman, and God. Although this literature is often disparaged by scholars and pastors alike, inspirational fiction plays a unique and important role in the religious lives of many evangelical women. In an engaging study of why women read evangelical romance novels, Lynn S. Neal interviews writers and readers of the genre and finds a complex religious piety among ordinary people.
In evangelical love stories, the success of the hero and heroine’s romance rests upon their religious choices. These fictional religious choices, readers report, often inspire real spiritual change in their own lives. Amidst the demands of daily life or during a challenge to one’s faith, these books offer a respite from problems and a time for fun, but they also provide a means to cultivate piety and to appreciate the unconditional power of God’s love. The reading of inspirational fiction emerges from and reinforces an evangelical lifestyle, Neal argues, but women’s interpretations of the stories demonstrate the constant negotiations that characterize evangelical living. Neal’s study of religion in practice highlights evangelicalism’s aesthetic sensibility and helps to alter conventional understandings — both secular and religious — of this prominent subculture.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Romancing God?
The Arts > The arts: general topics
Where can I read a sample of Romancing God?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807829981
How long is Romancing God and how many pages does it have?
Romancing God has 260 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Romancing God?
Lynn S. Neal
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Romancing God is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807829981) and paperback(ISBN 9780807856703) and ebook(ISBN 9780807877197) and pdf(ISBN 9798890879592)
Where can I buy Romancing God online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Romancing God from below
Where can I buy Romancing God?