Historian/Author/Speaker
We tend to think of the 1950s in an idyllic way – sock hops, rock’ n’ roll, drive-ins, hoola hoops, and Howdy Doody, but that decade was actually pretty complex, and scary. It was a time of anxiety (think of the fears people had of being incinerated by atomic bombs) and assurance, which I talk about in my latest podcast, which you can listen to at Anchor.fm/rebeccapricejanney, or click on the Podcast icon on my website.
Author Studs Terkel famously called World War II “The Good War,” largely because it was so clearly a fight between good and evil. How did Americans cope with the anxiety of being in battle, or waiting and serving at home? Listen to my podcast, Inspiration from American History at Anchor.fm/rebeccapricejanney.
While I was recording my latest podcast for Inspiration from American History, I was struck by the parallels between 1920s America and the situation in which we find ourselves today. The foundations of belief and practice were thoroughly shaken after the devastation of WWI. The 20th century was supposed to have been a golden era of peace and prosperity such as the world had never known before. Instead, disillusionment and even despair set in for many people. Others, however, clung to a sure and certain faith.
Listen to the story at Anchor.fm/rebeccapricejanney
Celebrate the launch of award-winning author Rebecca Price Janney’s newest novel, EASTON AT THE PASS with 18th century Pennsylvania Dutch food – and a fun mash-up – book reading, discussion, and prizes.
Space is limited to maintain physical distancing. Masks are required.
$35 includes dinner and an autographed copy of the book.
RSVP by October 12th:
[email protected] or 484.714.9470 See Less
Although Protestantism was still the dominant cultural and religious leader in American thought as the 19th century gave way to the 20th, the times were changing. Immigrants from eastern and southern Europe, including great numbers of Catholics and Jews, along with tides of Chinese workers to the western U.S., brought with them their own cultures and beliefs. Even within Protestantism, the ground was shifting in terms of theological thought and interpretation.
What beliefs sustained your immigrant ancestors?
Listen to my podcast, “A Future, But What Kind of Hope,” at Anchor.fm/rebeccapricejanney
We have the overall belief that life expectancy increases with each new decade, but that wasn’t the case in 19th century America. From 1790 to 1860, the average person lived eight years less. This was due to low infant mortality and illnesses few people, even the most educated, understood.
How did people back then cope with such loss? How did they come to terms with the ever-presence of death? My podcast this week tells the story. You can listen at Anchor.fm/rebeccapricejanney
A lot of you are dealing with loss in this most trying of years, and I pray this podcast will help you look up, to the Source of life here, and hereafter.
