Articles by Edward J. Blum

Then and Now

Followers, friends and faith in the digital age

May 08, 2013 by Edward J. Blum

The digital age is changing not only the words we use but also their meanings. Have you noticed, for instance, that “Christ follower” is replacing “born again” and “evangelical”? Take a moment to peruse the list of who Rick Warren follows on Twitter.

Then and Now

Then and Now: A new weekly feature by American religious historians

Feb 27, 2013 by Edward J. Blum

This new blog feature harnesses the expertise of American religious historians who care about the cities of God and the cities of humans. It’s a space where scholarly expertise collides with the faith, hope and love of those of us who seek thoughtful reflection about our pasts to bear upon the confusing issues of our presents.

Century Blogs

Why should we take moral direction from Max Lucado?

Dec 19, 2012 by Edward J. Blum

In the whirlwind of words that have followed the Newtown tragedy, one prominent religious voice has been Max Lucado, a Texas pastor and best-selling author. CNN’s Belief Blog interviewed him for its first response to the trauma. The Huffington Post ran a Christmas prayer from him during these dark days.

Books

The Long Walk to Freedom

Runaway Slave Narratives

Edited by Devon W. Carbado and Donald Weise

The Long Walk to Freedom, edited by Devon W. Carbado and Donald Weise

Dec 06, 2012 reviewed by Edward J. Blum

The runaway slave narratives compiled by Devon Carbado and Donald Weise are as moving as any story by Suzanne Collins or J.R.R. Tolkien.

Books

Brigham Young

Pioneer Prophet

By John G. Turner

Brigham Young, by John G. Turner

Fall books

Oct 10, 2012 reviewed by Edward J. Blum

Brigham Young, unlike Joseph Smith, played no role in the translation of the Book of Mormon. He never ran for president of the United States, as Smith did in 1844. And Young was not dramatically martyred, as Smith was when a mob shot him in his prison cell. But without Young, we might not remember Smith.

Cover Story

The Book of Mormon

A Biography

By Paul C. Gutjahr

An American original

Aug 08, 2012 by Edward J. Blum

It has become fashionable to narrate the lives of books. Paul Gutjahr offers a brief and readable account of the Book of Mormon's history.

Books

God’s Almost Chosen Peoples

A Reli­gious History of the American Civil War

By George C. Rable

A Visitation of God

Northern Civilians Interpret the Civil War

By Sean A. Scott

Spiritualized warfare

Nov 02, 2011 by Edward J. Blum

Americans went into the Civil War believing that God was on their side, and they ended the war believing the same.

Books

The History of White People

By Nell Irvin Painter

A review of The History of White People

Dec 22, 2010 reviewed by Edward J. Blum

Have you ever wondered why there are so many terms for white people? Caucasian is often the designation on the census form. Anglo-Saxon has been attached to white and Protestant to give us the acronym WASP. Nazis and skinheads refer to whites as Aryans.

Books

Your Spirits Walk Beside Us: The Politics of Black Religion

Barbara Dianne Savage

Your Spirits Walk Beside Us: The Politics of Black Religion

Jun 30, 2009 reviewed by Edward J. Blum
For a brief moment in the early months of 2008, Americans cared about the connections between African-American religion and politics. Segments of Jeremiah Wright’s sermons were splashed all over television and computer screens.
Books

This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War

Drew Glipin Faust

This Republic of Suffering:Death and theAmerican Civil War

Jul 01, 2008 reviewed by Edward J. Blum
In a beautifully written, deeply researched and profoundly thoughtful book that may earn her the title of the finest Civil War scholar in the United States, Harvard’s new president, Drew Faust, takes the reader on an emotive and analytical tour of death in Civil War America.