New Lebanon Library – Page 30 – Columbia County Current

Tonight at the New Lebanon Library: ‘The Water and the Word’ with Ruth J. Abram.

From the New Lebanon Library:

Why do Americans value competition? Why when a problem is perceived, do we organize ordinary citizens into voluntary associations to solve it? What accounts for the undercurrent of suspicion of professionals and people in authority that exists in America? Why do our politicians frequently say the American people have the wisdom to know what is best for us? Why do we regard America as exceptional? Why is it common for Americans to grow up with one religious affiliation only to select one or more others during our lifetimes? Why do we send our children to Sunday schools? Why have many religious groups adopted a participatory, dynamic style of worship? Why are revivals a common part of America’s religious landscape? Why do most Americans believe that women and minorities must be accorded full and equal rights? Why do we eschew distinctions based on class? Why do so many Americans treat their ailments with natural therapies? Why do we assume that all children deserve a free education? Why do we celebrate philanthropy and philanthropists? Why, in short, are many aspects of American culture and thought that most of us take for granted, the way they are?

Explore these questions and many more with Ruth J. Abram. Her project, the Water and the Word, examines the impact of The Second Great Awakening, (a powerful religious revival, 1790’s-1840’s) on American life. The project uses the history of New Lebanon, NY to understand one of the most important periods of American history.

WHEN:    Thursday, 9/22
TIME:    6:30 pm
WHERE:   New Lebanon Library
550 State Route 20
New Lebanon, NY 12125
MORE: NewLebanonLibrary.org