Francis Stewart grew up in Northern Ireland and discovered punk in her early teens (early 90s) through the late, great John Peel, the not late but equally great Terri Hooley and the radio stations that came up Belfast loch. Despite finding punk the perfect soundtrack to the environment she left in the late 90s to attend university in England, where she completed an undergraduate degree in religious Studies and English Literature. This was followed by 7 years as a high school teacher of religious studies, before returning in 2006 to complete her education. A master’s in Theology at the University of Glasgow was followed by a doctoral thesis at the University of Stirling, where she combined her multiple interests and passions of punk rock, religion, anarchy and D.I.Y communities. Since graduation she has worked part time in the religion department at Stirling.

• 1 "Earth Crisis" - introduction2 "Minor Threat" – an overview of punk and Straight Edge3 "Youth of Today" – the relationship between religion, punk and Straight Edge4 "Chain of Strength" – the role of music5 "Count Me Out" – space, place and community6 "Stick to your guns" – anarchy, religion and authenticity7 "Prayer for Cleansing" – salvation, forgiveness and redemption8 "The Faith" - conclusion

"To get at the sensibilities, communities, and practices of Straight Edge, Stewart employs a combination of rich fieldwork and a wide range of theoretical sources. Her basic disciplinary identification is with sociology of religion, though Stewart deftly incorporates sources ranging from Dick Hebdige on subculture to David Chidester on popular culture and religion, from Charles Taylor on secularism to Christopher Partridge on “implicit religion.” The book that results is ultimately a fine addition to the literature probing the limits of the category “religion” while also giving a vivid reading of local, organic, subcultural scenes."Jason C. Bivins, Professor of Religious Studies at North Carolina State University.