This is the first anthology to trace broader themes of religion and popular culture across time and theoretical methods. It provides key readings, encouraging a broader methodological and historical understanding.

With a combined experience of over 30 years dedicated to teaching undergraduates, Lisle W. Dalton, Eric Michael Mazur, and Richard J. Callahan, Jr. have ensured that the pedagogical features and structure of the volume are valuable to both students and their professors. Features include:

- A number of units based on common semester syllabi
- A blend of materials focused on method with materials focused on subject
- An introduction to the texts for each unit
- Questions designed to encourage and enhance post-reading reflection and classroom discussion
- A glossary of terms from the unit's readings, as well as suggestions for further reading and investigation.

The Reader is suitable as the foundational textbook for any undergraduate course on religion and popular culture, as well as theory in the study of religion.