From Angels to Aliens: Teenagers, the Media, and the Supernatural

Lynn Schofield Clark provides us with the exciting opportunity to venture into the various worlds of teen spirituality. Her analysis covers everything from rituals of the spend-the-night party games like ouija boards and "light as a feather" where one teen levitates to television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Clark miraculously combines the book knowledge of an academic and the deep understanding and caring of a church youth group volunteer. I recommend this book for anyone who works with youth (e.g., teachers; youth pastors) as well as parents of teens. It would also make a fabulous addition to college courses. Clark applies theories from Sociology, Cultural Studies, and Media Studies to down-to-earth examples that students are sure to enjoy!

Great book for anyone trying to understand how teenagers think about religion. Clark challenges easy definitions of what constitutes religious expression and symbol by spending serious time and effort listening to teens talk about their beliefs and what they listen to, watch and read. The author makes some particularly fascinating observations about teenage interest in aliens and marginalization. Angels to Aliens will appeal to people trying to understand younger members of congregations as well as those who find themselves outside organized religion.

This is a fascinating study of the role of media and religion in the lives of young people. As a media studies scholar, I found the book refreshing in its clarity and in its interest in how teens think about and deal with the notion of the supernatural. The author's use of ethnographic techniques gives the book detail and depth, as it goes far beyond the limits of survey research to look at religion in American culture. This is a must-read for everyone interested in culture and media, as it deals seriously with profound changes in American society.