Jimmy Swaggart--Dead Man Rising : On Black Light as a Weapon in the Culture Wars

Rating:
Summary: An Insider's View of Big-Time Evangelism, Cajun-Style
Review: Barbara Nauer's lengthy discussion of the internal politics and underlying theology and spiritual battles make for engaging reading. The author's sharp wit and educated observations do far more than sketch the characters involved in the dramatic changes in Jimmy Swaggert Ministries through the late 1980's - she provides analysis and makes reasonable guesses as to the motivations of the principles.

This book is best read by Christians, especially those who can digest the language of fundamentalist Pentecostal Christianity. But Roman Catholics will find witty and enlightening observations as well.

I expected a mud bath, but this literate and occasionally emotional tome provides clear analysis and a wealth of anecdote. It isn't for the faint-hearted but provides a wealth of information for those who would like to know just what went wrong (and went right) during the eventual "downsizing" of Jimmy Swaggert's international television ministry. Swaggert is protrayed in sympathetic tones, a difficult task given the "black light" he has often found instead of a spotlight.

The printing & cover art is about average for a "vanity press" book and the contents could have used some editing - some passages drag on too long. Still, this work is a landmark in examinations of 20th century American evangelists.

I recommend this book highly.