Enticed by Eden: How Western Culture Uses, Confuses, (and Sometimes Abuses) Adam and Eve
"... hilarious but always thoughtful, this is a wonderful read, a worthy addition to the literature of religion and culture."--Publishers Weekly(February 2013)"One can wonder if Adam and Eve would be surprised that their names, and their legends, live on so many millennia later. Schearing and Ziegler, professors of religious studies at Gonzaga and DePauw Universities respectively, have crafted a fascinating survey for a popular audience of how our first parents have lived on in western culture. Reflected in the arts, in gender studies, in parenting models, and even in the adult film industry, the Edenic couple have been called to duty, sometimes in an authentic quest for meaning, but often in ways that would have made them blush. Beneath the authors' humor can be found serious commentary, not just on the biblical story, but on how modern society views itself through the creation metaphor. The authors do a masterful job of deconstructing the many layers of the legacy of Eden. At times hilarious but always thoughtful, this is a wonderful read, a worthy addition to the literature of religion and culture."--Publishers Weekly(February 2013)"A very engaging and readable book. Through their exploration of Christian and secular appropriations of the Eden narrative within the context of contemporary American advertising, dating websites, humor, and the sex industry, Schearing and Ziegler offer a thought-provoking contribution to ongoing studies of the Bible in popular culture."--Caroline Blyth, Lecturer in Biblical Studies, School of Theology, University of Auckland"A fascinating look at how the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden still influences our culture, from the Christian wife-spanking movement and online dating to Madison Avenue advertising and the jokes we love to tell. Oh my!"--Betty A. DeBerg, Professor of Religion and Director of National Study of Campus Ministries, University of Northern Iowa"Enticed by Edenpresents the story of Adam, Eve, and the Garden of Eden in some new and surprising ways. Adam and Eve become the butt of jokes, the topic of ads, and the name of popular adult entertainment store; Eden becomes a land of romance. Whether it's finding a Christian mate, selling tobacco, or even spanking your wife, Schearing and Ziegler have provided a lively discussion on the commodification of one of the Bible's most familiar stories."--Leslie Levin, Associate Professor of Business Management, Marymount Manhattan College"From online dating to erotic wife spanking and from the advertising industry to the adult entertainment business, Schearing and Ziegler guide us on an entertaining romp through deftly the intricate maze of pop culture's use of the Garden of Eden story. The breadth of coverage is balanced by depth of insight, making it a treat for veteran and novice reader alike. Who thought there could be a fresh, engaging, and enlightening book on such a well worn text!"--Mark Roncace, Associate Professor of Religion, Wingate University