The Talking Machine - The Phonograph and the Making of Modern American Religion

Explore the intersection of faith and technology in early 20th century America through an examination of the phonograph's impact on religious practices. Delve into how record companies of the 1920s shaped modern religious experiences, from the rise of photograph parlors and Victrolas to the popularization of recorded sermons. Discover the influence of key figures like Warren G. Harding, John Scopes, and William Jennings Bryan on this cultural shift. Investigate the emergence of African-American sermon recordings, jazz, and blues, and their role in transforming religious expression. Learn about pioneering preachers, including women, who utilized this new medium to reach wider audiences. Analyze the four principles that governed this technological revolution in faith and reflect on their implications for contemporary religious practices.