Rev John Roach Straton: Social Dancing And Morality In 1920s New York City

In the roaring 1920s, New York City experienced a cultural revolution like no other. With jazz music, flapper style, and the prohibition era, the city became a playground for the modern generation. However, not everyone was comfortable with the rapid changes that were occurring, and one man in particular stood at the forefront of the battle against what he saw as the decline of morality - Rev John Roach Straton.

The Rise of Social Dancing

The 1920s witnessed the rise of social dancing as a popular form of entertainment. Jazz clubs and speakeasies were filled with dancers, embracing new styles such as the Charleston and the Foxtrot. Traditional dance forms were being replaced by these more energetic and provocative movements, leading some to question the moral implications of these changes.

Rev John Roach Straton, a prominent Baptist preacher, vehemently opposed social dancing. He saw it as a sinful activity that promoted immorality and undermined the fabric of society. Straton believed that the youth were being corrupted by these new dance styles, leading them away from God and towards a life of sin.

Satan in the Dance Hall: Rev. John Roach Straton, Social Dancing, and Morality in 1920s New York City

by Ralph G. Giordano (Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4554 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

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Straton's Moral Crusade

Straton's fiery sermons against social dancing gained him a significant following in New York City. He preached the word of God as a means to combat the perceived moral decay that was taking place in society. Straton argued that dancing in any form was inherently evil, as it encouraged physical intimacy and lustful thoughts.

His sermons often attracted protesters who believed in the freedom of expression and cultural progression. However, Straton remained steadfast in his beliefs, refusing to back down. He saw himself as a guardian of morality, fighting against the corrupting nature of the modern world.

Public Outrage and Support

Straton's outspoken views on social dancing earned him both severe criticism and devoted support. Many young people saw his sermons as an attack on their freedom and rebelled against his teachings. They saw social dancing as a way to express themselves, breaking away from the traditions of their parents' generation.

However, there were also those who agreed with Straton's stance. They feared the loss of traditional values and saw social dancing as a symptom of a larger moral crisis. These individuals supported Straton's efforts to preserve the sanctity of marriage, family, and religious faith.

The Legacy of Rev John Roach Straton

Despite facing constant criticism and opposition, Straton's influence reached far beyond the realm of social dancing. His sermons resonated with a significant portion of the population who shared his concerns about the changing cultural landscape of the 1920s.

While social dancing continued to flourish in New York City, Straton's moral crusade planted the seeds for a larger conversation about societal values. His legacy lives on as a reminder that cultural shifts often come into conflict with deeply held beliefs, and that addressing these tensions is crucial for the progress of society.

The 1920s in New York City were a time of immense change and cultural upheaval. The rise of social dancing challenged traditional norms and sparked a clash between those embracing the new freedoms and those advocating for the preservation of morality.

Rev John Roach Straton emerged as a leading voice against social dancing, viewing it as a threat to the moral fabric of society. While his opinions garnered both backlash and support, his influence on the conversation about morality during this time cannot be understated.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with Straton's views, his involvement in the debate on social dancing serves as a reminder of the complexity surrounding societal values and the ongoing struggle for progress and tradition.

Satan in the Dance Hall: Rev. John Roach Straton, Social Dancing, and Morality in 1920s New York City

by Ralph G. Giordano (Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4554 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

Satan in the Dance Hall explores the overwhelming popularity of social dancing and its close relationship to America's rapidly changing society in the 1920s. The book focuses on the fiercely contested debate over the morality of social dancing in New York City, led by moral reformers and religious leaders like Rev. John Roach Straton. Fed by the firm belief that dancing was the leading cause of immorality in New York, Straton and his followers succeeded in enacting municipal regulations on social dancing and moral conduct within the more than 750 public dance halls in New York City.

Ralph G. Giordano conveys an easy to read and full picture of life in the Jazz Age, incorporating important events and personalities such as the Flu Epidemic, the Scopes Monkey Trial, Prohibition, Flappers, Gangsters, Texas Guinan, and Charles Lindbergh, while simultaneously describing how social dancing was a hugely prominent cultural phenomenon, one closely intertwined with nearly every aspect of American society from the Great War to the Great Depression. With a bibliography, an index, and over 35 photos, Satan in the Dance Hall presents an interdisciplinary study of social dancing in New York City throughout the decade.