Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents:

pt. I. Why religion still matters : GenX, pop culture, and the search for God --

1. A GenX journey : living on the boundary between religion and culture --

2. Formed by pop culture : the shared immersion that makes us a generation --

3. Being virtually religious : appreciating GenX irreverence --

pt. II. How religion still matters : four central themes in GenX religiosity --

4. Institutions are suspect --

5. Experience is key --

6. Suffering has a religious dimension --

7. Ambiguity is central to faith --

pt. III. Being religious now : a new understanding --

8. Making the virtual lead somewhere : a spiritual challenge to Generation X --

9. Rediscovering humility in ministry : a spiritual challenge from Generation X --

Conclusion. Giving irreverence its due --

In Virtual Faith, Beaudoin explores fashion, music videos, and cyberspace concluding that his generation has fashioned a theology radically different from, but no less potent or valid than, that of their elders. Beaudoin's investigation of popular culture uncovers four themes that underpin his generation's theology. First, all institutions are suspect--especially organized religion. Second, personal experience is everything, and every form of intense personal experience is potentially spiritual. Third, suffering is also spiritual. Finally, this generation sees ambiguity as a central element of faith.