Who Goes There?: A Cultural History of Heaven and Hell (Paperback)

~ Rebecca Price Janney (Author)
Key Phrases: Jesus Christ, United States, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

 Princess Diana, John Ritter, Saddam Hussein, Mother Teresa, Chris Farley… Does it seem reasonable to guess where each of these people ended up after they died? While it is comforting to suppose that everyone who’s “good” goes to a better place when they die, and everyone who’s “bad” doesn’t, on what is that hope based?

To adequately understand how these thoughts impact us today, Rebecca Price Janney goes back to the colonization and founding of the United States. From the Great Awakening to the American Revolution, through the tumultuous 19th century, all the way past two world wars, and a technological revolution, Who Goes There? pieces together a thoughtful narrative of American beliefs about the afterlife.

About the Author

Rebecca Price Janney is a theologically trained historian and the author of 15 books including Great Women in American History, Great Stories in American History, Harriet Tubman, and two young adult series as well as hundreds of articles in magazines and newspapers. A graduate of Lafayette College and Princeton Seminary, Rebecca received her doctorate from Biblical Seminary. She resides with her husband and son in suburban Philadelphia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers (February 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802454933
• ISBN-13: 978-0802454935
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,094,079 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who Goes There, February 26, 2009

By	Sylvia D. Dooling "Sylvia" (Loveland, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I don't usually have the time to pick up a book and read it straight through. But, I found this to be a very interesting read. I was fascinated at looking at the topic of heaven and hell through the lens of culture. I appreciated the quotes from a variety of historical figures. If one is looking for a thumbnail sketch of culture's perspective on heaven and hell--then I would heartily suggest you purchase this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Historically excellent, theologically simplistic, April 3, 2009

By	J. Peacock - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I received a promotional copy of this book from Mike Morrell over at theOoze.com. (Thank you)

Rebecca Price Janney's writing is simple and clear. Her subject covers the cultural evolution of beliefs regarding the afterlife in America - a subtitle that should take prominence over the more confusing "Who Goes There?" on the front cover.

The book's thesis is simple: American cultural beliefs of heaven and hell have been fragmented and dispersed far from their origins in Puritan Protestant orthodoxy. Proof is then given through a whirlwind tour through the history of the United States, particularly focused upon obituaries and views toward the afterlife. It is in the numerous sermons, poems, songs, articles and films quoted that Janney's work as a historian shines. The fact that it is a quick read is a testament to her clear organization of the material and consistent writing style.

The theological side, however, is slightly stunted. The strength here is on the history - while her theological biases are clear, they remain largely unargued except via correlations between each era's behaviours. The strong 'divine war' ethic that fueled many U.S. foreign incursions is sympathized with and as the years gain on the present the writing loses some of it's potency. Janney's examination of challenges to this theological hegemony sometimes comes off as dismissive - whether that was the true intent or merely a symptom of brevity is unclear.

Nevertheless, as someone strongly interested in history and theology, this was a wonderful book, and is highly recommended (chapters 3-16 in particular).

The Ameri-centricism and the emphasis on Protestant theology leaves gaps worthy of another's work, but within it's bounds this work is steadfast.

3.0 out of 5 stars IF you don't ask the right question, you can't get the right answer!, April 6, 2009

By	Chilly (Detroit, MI USA) - See all my reviews

The book is easy to read and written in a captivating and refreshing style. It's informative without being too cerebral or wordy. Let's be honest, we rarely talk about heaven & hell in our normal conversations. We assume too much (and, perhaps, care too little) as we focus on the 'now' but not the 'next'. Yet, what happens after we die is central to the very way we chose to live today. This book will really help you explore your own theology and uncover the questions in your heart. It will provoke you, inspire you and, hopefully, encourage you. It will certainly point you in the right direction.