1950, crossroads of American religious life

By Robert S. Ellwood

Book Description

In 1950, America stood at a fascinating spiritual crossroads where religious fervor reached unprecedented heights while Cold War anxieties cast long shadows over the nation's collective consciousness. Robert S. Ellwood captures this pivotal moment when postwar prosperity and spiritual enthusiasm collided with the stark realities of nuclear threats and global tensions.

This illuminating exploration reveals how religious communities navigated the complex landscape of McCarthyism, the hydrogen bomb's emergence, and the Korean War's outbreak. Religious leaders found themselves responding to these challenges in remarkably diverse ways, sparking vibrant discussions across the flourishing religious media of the era.

Ellwood presents this transformative year as a cultural snapshot that helps readers understand the origins of many contemporary spiritual and religious trends. By examining both the conclusions and new beginnings that marked this decisive period, he offers valuable insights into how American religious life evolved during one of the nation's most defining moments.

For those seeking to understand the deeper currents that shaped modern American spirituality, this work provides essential context for recognizing both the continuities and changes between past and present religious culture. The book serves as a bridge connecting today's spiritual seekers with the pivotal forces that influenced religious thought and practice in mid-twentieth century America.