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Document Details :

Title: The Location of Religion in Bruce Springsteen's Wrecking Ball
Subtitle: Common Ground Prior to 'Religious' and 'Secular'?
Author(s): JANSEN, Henry
Journal: Studies in Interreligious Dialogue
Volume: 23    Issue: 1   Date: 2013   
Pages: 73-89
DOI: 10.2143/SID.23.1.2990730

Abstract :
Bruce Springsteen’s use of religious language and imagery in his music has led to a great of discussion Springsteen’s religious affiliation. This article argues that Springsteen is not concerned with presenting a worldview as such, either religious or secular. Applying a spatial analysis to Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball, and specifically three songs found on album, the author first explores the religious language and imagery regarding place in these songs, pointing to two different aspects of place and space. He then explores the theme of 'representational spaces' in these songs and then finally takes up the question of how Springsteen and religion can be discussed, using insights gained from narrative theory. The article concludes with the observation that Springsteen’s use of religious language and imagery goes deeper than the conventional use of such language and imagery.

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