“God Bless America” was composed by Irving Berlin in 1918 but was not introduced to the public until Kate Smith performed it in 1938. Berlin revised the lyrics in 1938 to create a song of peace, and Smith’s performance made it an instant hit. The song was recorded and royalties were dedicated to the Boy […]
Ben-Hur, written by Lew Wallace in 1880, defended Christianity against Darwinist attacks and was blessed by a pope. It became an international best-seller and was made into a film in 1959. Three popes were elected under 25 and Pope Francis was once a bouncer. The 1880 novel Ben-Hur was written by Civil War General Lew […]
Saying “Bless you” after someone sneezes is a reflexive action based on centuries of religion, tradition, and superstition. It is believed to prevent evil spirits from entering the body and ward off diseases. The German “Gesundheit” entered American vernacular through immigration. For many people, saying “Bless you” or “Gesundheit” after someone else sneezes is a […]
