There is a particular relevance to religion within the context of the countercultural movements of the 1960s. The Christian revival which occurred among the hippie culture of the late sixties has been perhaps one of the most lasting influences on the American Evangelical church.
This book addresses an area of study which appears to be relatively under-served. Although the hippie movement sought multiple versions of transcendentalist spirituality, many within the movement either returned to the orthodoxy of their parents, or created a newer version of orthodoxy: the so-called "west coast neo-conservative" movement.
Hippies, Jesus Freaks, and Music chronicles the rise of the 1970s Jesus People Movement as it departed from and reacted to the 1960s counterculture. Impulses from both the right and the left are considered within the context of 20th Century Revivalism and the rise of more culturally relevant versions of the conservative religious right, as well as the “pockets” of politically leftist “Jesus people” who still retained theological orthodoxy. The book concludes with an analysis of the history behind contemporary Christian rock music and the current trend away from the “CCM’ industry.
Shawn David Young joined the faculty at Greenville College in 2002 where he teaches music industry and contemporary Christian music studies. His current research focuses on media culture, religion and popular media, and counterculture as expression and resistance. He teaches courses on performance, popular music ensemble, and contemporary religious worship music. Shawn is also advisor to the student-run organization Music and Entertainment Industry Student’s Association, where he gives instruction on event planning, concert promotions, music and marketing. He is also responsible for the annual sponsorship and management of the Cornerstone Festival New Band Showcase and works to produce the annual guest artist series at Greenville College. He is currently the chair for the committee on subculture for the Midwest Popular Culture Association.
"It is well-written and argued, historically accurate and culturally perceptive."
-Mark Allan Powell, Ph.D., Robert and Phyllis Leatherman Professor of New Testament Studies, Trinity Lutheran Seminary
"It was fascinating and very intriguing. I could have kept reading and reading."
-- Doug Van Pelt, editor, HM Magazine
"Who would have thought that the tradition of the saints would include hippies and beatniks? I suspect that connecting-the-cultural-dots will be a life-long vocation for this young, brilliant scholar. I missed the Jesus Movement the first time 'round. Thank you Shawn for a second chance. "
-- Warren Pettit - Director, Contemporary Music Center on Martha's Vineyard
“The Jesus Movement operated under the radar screen. It was undetected by most social historians, but it greatly affected American Christianity and significantly impacted our cultural fabric. This book will do much to heighten our awareness of the significance of the movement. It gives notable attention to the way in which the movement has altered the music that is so much a part of Christianity today.”
-- Tony Campolo, Professor of Sociology, Eastern University
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