Messiah College Media Mentions

David Weaver-Zercher, professor of American religious history, is quoted in a Nov. 30 Christian Science Monitor article about the significant growth of the Amish population.

Read “For Amish, fastest-growing faith group in US, life is changing. “

History professor Jim LaGrand commented in a Dec. 8 story about an area man who was among the first to give warning of a Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941. LaGrand spoke to the young radar operator’s significant responsibility during a time of world war.

“American spirit: A ‘footnote on his life'” is not available online.

A new television show called “Amish Mafia” is “far-fetched,” according to David Weaver-Zercher, professor of American religious history. The show depicts a small Amish gang who “protect” the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pa. Weaver-Zercher was quoted in a Dec. 10 Harrisburg Patriot-News story about the show.

Read “Discovery show portrays exploits of ‘Amish Mafia.'”

Some Pennsylvania lawmakers will have the added challenge of learning a new geographical area and constituency base in their next term, thanks to redrawn districts across the Commonwealth. Robin Lauermann, associate professor of  politics, discusses these new challenges in a Nov. 23 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article.

Read “Learning curve for lawmakers, constituents.”

Robin Lauermann, professor of politics and assistant dean of general education and common learning, penned an opinion piece for the Nov. 6 Philadelphia Inquirer in which she challenges voters to be faithful fact-checkers who carefully read the stances of both their candidate and the opposing candidate. The op-ed also ran at FoxNews.com

Read “Partisans make poor citizens.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Read “Now it’s up to you. Your vote comes with much responsibility.” (FoxNews.com)

With so many moral issues on the ballot, election season can pose a difficult risk for many churches, according to an Oct. 31 York Daily Record article. Douglas Jacobsen, distinguished professor of church history, views the social issues often debated during election season as especially important to people of faith.

Read “Churches walk fine line between faith and politics in election year.”

John Fea, professor of American history, penned an op-ed for the Nov. 1 Patriot-News about Bruce Springsteen’s scheduled concert in State College and the rocker’s ability to write lyrics rooted in faith, patriotism and hope.

Read “How Springsteen sees America.”

Professors Douglas and Rhonda Jacobsen respond to questions about their new book, “No Longer Invisible: Religion in University Education,” in the Oct. 25 Inside Higher Ed.

Read “Book argues colleges should do a better job engaging with religion.”

The Amish young people starring in a new reality television show, “Breaking Amish,” tackled some pretty taboo topics in a recent episode. David Weaver-Zercher, professor of American religious history, countered some of the claims in an Oct. 18 Huffington Post article.

Read “‘Breaking Amish’ cast members claim bestiality part of Amish life.”

Professor Douglas Jacobsen, distinguished professor of church history, and senior Abby Madden `13 are quoted in an Oct. 18 York Daily Record article about a recent Pew Study that found that fewer and fewer young people are identifying as religious.

Read “Local college officials, students discuss a new study indicating a lack of religious adherence among young people.”