Just As We Were

by Patricia S. Klein, Evelyn Bence, Jane Campbell

A humorous exploration of church life in the mid-twentieth century remembers events and traditions familiar to Sunday-schoolers of the period and offers additional quotes, self-quizzes, and nostalgic reflections. Original.

Genres: Christianity

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2003

Reviews

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been such an unusual and unique book! I hadn't known it existed until coming across several copies at the thrift store recently (one never knows what unexpected treats one will find at them!!) I was smiling and laughing so many times at aspects I had forgotten over the years while still learning a bit of history and background besides.

I had experienced a good bit of it during childhood and a lot was carried over past the 70s as well...some still sure....I remember collecting clothes for missionaries overseas; had to smile as reading how they would look for their Mother's old dresses on someone during the slide shows that were shown when those missionaries visited the home churches.

Potluck meals have still continued of course for socializing times albeit the menus have improved in a few ways thankfully! It was such a nostalgic journey down a memory lane with galores of photos throughout (Sunday school attendance boards) Fun quizzes to see how many little kiddie songs were familiar such as "Jesus loves the little children", "This little light of mine"....I had 16/31 ;)

This is a keeper and favourite!

[Christie Hagerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were SO many things I recognized from my upbringing in this book. A cute look at things common to all of us who were raised in conservative Christian homes "back in the day". Lots of laughs, lots of memories.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tongue-in-cheek, hilarious, but never hurtful look back at growing up in the Church, from the definite point of view of the Baby Boomer generation. Having lived out each page of this book, I can attest that through its wild humor, it’s all true. Growing up in Independent Fundamental Baptist Church is a journey quite unlike any other. This book is a side-splitting, yet never mocking, tribute to GUBAS like me and millions of others.

[Becca Wilds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably in the top 10 funniest books I've ever read and it saved me years worth of therapy. If you grew up in the Evangelical Christian subculture between 1950 - 1980, you need to read this and laugh yourself right out of all your baggage.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous look at growing up going to church. Not offensive to the practicing Christian. Just a nice laugh!

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun look back at some of the traditions in the fundamentalist church. This book pokes fun but not in an offensive way. It brought back many happy memories at the same time.

[Heather Mauriello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Browsed this at the library. Amusing, though you must be in the mood to poke fun! :) Probably funnier when read together with someone who went through it with you!