Download or read book Reviving the Black Church written by Thabiti Anyabwile and published by B&H Publishing Group. This book was released on 2015-10-01 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Is the Black Church dying? The picture is mixed and there are many challenges. The church needs spiritual revival. But reviving and strengthening the Black Church will require great wisdom and courage. Reviving the Black Church calls us back to another time, borrowing the wisdom of earlier faithful Christians. But more importantly, it calls us back to the Bible itself. For there we find the divine wisdom needed to see all quarters of the Black Church live again, thriving in the Spirit of God. It’s pastor and church planter Thabiti Anyabwile's humble prayer that this book might be useful to pastors and faithful lay members in reviving at least some quarters of the Black Church, and churches of every ethnicity and context— all for the glory of God.

Download or read book The Decline of African American Theology written by Thabiti M. Anyabwile and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2009-08-20 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Who were Jupiter Hammon, Lemuel Haynes and Daniel Alexander Payne? And what do they have in common with Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman and James Cone? All of these were African American Christian theologians, yet their theologies are, in many ways, worlds apart. In this book, Thabiti Anyabwile offers a challenging and provocative assessment of the history of African American Christian theology, from its earliest beginnings to the present. He argues trenchantly that the modern fruit of African American theology has fallen far from the tree of its early predecessors. In doing so, Anyabwile closely examines the theological commitments of prominent African American theologians throughout American history. Chapter by chapter, he traces what he sees as the theological decline of African American theology from one generation to the next, concluding with an unflinching examination of several contemporary figures. Replete with primary texts and illustrations, this book is a gold mine for any reader interested in the history of African American Christianity. With a foreword by Mark Noll.

Download or read book Reviving the Spirit written by Beverly Hall Lawrence and published by Grove Press. This book was released on 1997 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discusses the historic role of the church in the African American community and chronicles the revival of the church as a center of community, social change, economic reform, and urban renewal.

Download or read book Face It Finding Answers Concerning Every Issue Today written by Dr. Ava S. Harvey Sr. and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2019-03-20 with total page 99 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Black church has traditionally served as the unifying agent within the Black community. It was the locus of formation regarding morality training, spiritual awareness and social activism. It provided a safe space for African Americans to heal from the evil wounds of slavery, bigotry, Jim Crow, discrimination and racism. In recent years the role and place of the Black church in the life of African American people has begun to diminish. In no specific gender is this reality seen more clearly than in the absence of Black men from church pews. Across denominational lines, irrespective of geographical locations, backgrounds, and class, Black men are exiting the Black church at a rate that is both shocking and alarming. The key to restoring the Black church lies within the heart and hands of the Black man. This book seeks to offer a new strategy to reach, resource, and restore the Black man to his God-given position of prominence by facing the issues that have marred his identity.

Download or read book Networking the Black Church written by Erika D. Gault and published by NYU Press. This book was released on 2022-01-18 with total page 191 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides a timely portrait of young Black Christians and how digital technology is transforming the Black Church They stand at the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement, push the boundaries of the Black Church through online expression of Christian hip hop, and redefine what it means to be young, Black, and Christian in America. Young Black adults represent the future of African American religiosity, yet little is known regarding their religious lives beyond the Black Church. Networking the Black Church explores how deeply embedded digital technology is in the lives of young Black Christians, offering a first-of-its-kind digital-hip hop ethnography. Erika D. Gault argues that a new religious ethos has emerged among young adult Blacks in America. To understand Black Christianity today it is not enough to look at the traditional Black Church. The Black Church is itself being changed by what she calls digital Black Christians. The volume examines the ways in which Christian hip hop artists who have adopted Black-preaching-inspired spoken word performances create alternate kinds of Christian communities both inside and outside the walls of traditional Black churches. Framed around interviews with prominent Black Christian hip hop artists, it explores the multiple ways that digital Black Christians construct religious identity and meaning through video-sharing and social media. In the process, these digital Black Christians are changing Black churches as institutions, transforming modes of religious activism, inventing new communication practices around evangelism and Christian identity, and streamlining the accessibility of Black Church cultural practices in popular culture. Erika D. Gault provides a fascinating portrait of young Black faith, illuminating how the relationship between religion and digital media is changing the lived experiences of a new generation of Black Christians.

Download or read book The Black Church written by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2022-01-18 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The instant New York Times bestseller and companion book to the PBS series. “Absolutely brilliant . . . A necessary and moving work.” —Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., author of Begin Again “Engaging. . . . In Gates’s telling, the Black church shines bright even as the nation itself moves uncertainly through the gloaming, seeking justice on earth—as it is in heaven.” —Jon Meacham, New York Times Book Review From the New York Times bestselling author of Stony the Road and The Black Box, and one of our most important voices on the African American experience, comes a powerful new history of the Black church as a foundation of Black life and a driving force in the larger freedom struggle in America. For the young Henry Louis Gates, Jr., growing up in a small, residentially segregated West Virginia town, the church was a center of gravity—an intimate place where voices rose up in song and neighbors gathered to celebrate life's blessings and offer comfort amid its trials and tribulations. In this tender and expansive reckoning with the meaning of the Black Church in America, Gates takes us on a journey spanning more than five centuries, from the intersection of Christianity and the transatlantic slave trade to today’s political landscape. At road’s end, and after Gates’s distinctive meditation on the churches of his childhood, we emerge with a new understanding of the importance of African American religion to the larger national narrative—as a center of resistance to slavery and white supremacy, as a magnet for political mobilization, as an incubator of musical and oratorical talent that would transform the culture, and as a crucible for working through the Black community’s most critical personal and social issues. In a country that has historically afforded its citizens from the African diaspora tragically few safe spaces, the Black Church has always been more than a sanctuary. This fact was never lost on white supremacists: from the earliest days of slavery, when enslaved people were allowed to worship at all, their meetinghouses were subject to surveillance and destruction. Long after slavery’s formal eradication, church burnings and bombings by anti-Black racists continued, a hallmark of the violent effort to suppress the African American struggle for equality. The past often isn’t even past—Dylann Roof committed his slaughter in the Mother Emanuel AME Church 193 years after it was first burned down by white citizens of Charleston, South Carolina, following a thwarted slave rebellion. But as Gates brilliantly shows, the Black church has never been only one thing. Its story lies at the heart of the Black political struggle, and it has produced many of the Black community’s most notable leaders. At the same time, some churches and denominations have eschewed political engagement and exemplified practices of exclusion and intolerance that have caused polarization and pain. Those tensions remain today, as a rising generation demands freedom and dignity for all within and beyond their communities, regardless of race, sex, or gender. Still, as a source of faith and refuge, spiritual sustenance and struggle against society’s darkest forces, the Black Church has been central, as this enthralling history makes vividly clear.

Download or read book The Black Church in the African American Experience written by C. Eric Lincoln and published by Duke University Press. This book was released on 1990-11-07 with total page 540 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A nongovernmental survey of urban and rural churches of black communities based on a ten year study.

Download or read book Black Prophetic Fire written by Cornel West and published by Beacon Press. This book was released on 2015-09-01 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An unflinching look at nineteenth- and twentieth-century African American leaders and their visionary legacies. In an accessible, conversational format, Cornel West, with distinguished scholar Christa Buschendorf, provides a fresh perspective on six revolutionary African American leaders: Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Baker, Malcolm X, and Ida B. Wells. In dialogue with Buschendorf, West examines the impact of these men and women on their own eras and across the decades. He not only rediscovers the integrity and commitment within these passionate advocates but also their fault lines. West, in these illuminating conversations with the German scholar and thinker Christa Buschendorf, describes Douglass as a complex man who is both “the towering Black freedom fighter of the nineteenth century” and a product of his time who lost sight of the fight for civil rights after the emancipation. He calls Du Bois “undeniably the most important Black intellectual of the twentieth century” and explores the more radical aspects of his thinking in order to understand his uncompromising critique of the United States, which has been omitted from the American collective memory. West argues that our selective memory has sanitized and even “Santaclausified” Martin Luther King Jr., rendering him less radical, and has marginalized Ella Baker, who embodies the grassroots organizing of the civil rights movement. The controversial Malcolm X, who is often seen as a proponent of reverse racism, hatred, and violence, has been demonized in a false opposition with King, while the appeal of his rhetoric and sincerity to students has been sidelined. Ida B. Wells, West argues, shares Malcolm X’s radical spirit and fearless speech, but has “often become the victim of public amnesia.” By providing new insights that humanize all of these well-known figures, in the engrossing dialogue with Buschendorf, and in his insightful introduction and powerful closing essay, Cornel West takes an important step in rekindling the Black prophetic fire.

Download or read book Black Church Beginnings written by Henry H. Mitchell and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 2004-10-04 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Black Church Beginnings provides an intimate look at the struggles of African Americans to establish spiritual communities in the harsh world of slavery in the American colonies. Written by one of today's foremost experts on African American religion, this book traces the growth of the black church from its start in the mid-1700s to the end of the nineteenth century.As Henry Mitchell shows, the first African American churches didn't just organize; they labored hard, long, and sacrificially to form a meaningful, independent faith. Mitchell insightfully takes readers inside this process of development. He candidly examines the challenge of finding adequately trained pastors for new local congregations, confrontations resulting from internal class structure in big city churches, and obstacles posed by emerging denominationalism.Original in its subject matter and singular in its analysis, Mitchell's Black Church Beginnings makes a major contribution to the study of American church history.

Download or read book Reviving the Ancient Faith written by Richard Thomas Hughes and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 1996 with total page 468 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This pathbreaking book by Richard T. Hughes chronicles the history of Churches of Christ in America from their inception in the early nineteenth century to the 1990s, taking full account of the complexity of their origins, the mainstream of their heritage for almost two hundred years, and their voices of protest and dissent, especially in the twentieth century. From The Critics "Hughes...here provides the definitive history of the Churches of Christ from their beginnings in the Stone-Campbell movement of the early 19th century through the split with the Disciples of Christ at the turn of the century and all the way into the 1990s. Central to this richly detailed and highly readable narrative is Hughes's assertion that this religious movement has evolved from a 19th-century sect into a 20th-century denomination." - Choice "Because of Hughes's elegant writing and his awareness of the social history surrounding the developing denomination, this study transcends mere denominational history and should be read as cultural history. It should remain the standard volume on the subject for years to come." - Publishers Weekly "Hughes provides a clear, balanced account of an American religious movement that has heretofore received insufficient scholarly attention." - Journal of American History "An excellent denominational history of Churches of Christ.... Richard T. Hughes, who admirably balances an empathy born of his lifelong membership in the denomination with the standards of a professional historian, labored on this book for a decade and a half, and the result is a study both thoroughly researched and clearly written." - American Historical Review "Hughes is the foremost interpreter today ofthe Churches of Christ, as this book illustrates.... Well written and meticulously documented, this book could serve as the definitive history of this movement for a generation." - Religious Studies Review

Download or read book The Post Black and Post White Church written by Efrem Smith and published by Fortress Press. This book was released on 2020-11-03 with total page 237 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The key to creating and growing a more unified and holistic church is the multi-ethnic and Christ-centered community that offers a strong connection between theology and practical ministry models, and that nurtures believers who are wrestling with what it means to be the church of the Bible today. Most books on racial reconciliation or multi-ethnic ministry center on the theological foundations, history, or social problem aspects of the topic. The Post-Black and Post-White Church offers a practical, hands-on blueprint for developing and sustaining a multi-ethnic and Christ-centered community. Written by Efrem Smith, an innovative and passionate African American leader of the Covenant Evangelical Church and founding pastor of Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this groundbreaking book shares his skills, experience, and wisdom for congregations who want to grow into a multi-ethnic, missional identity. The Post-Black and Post-White Church connects theology and practical ministry models for wrestling with what it means to be church in an increasingly multi-ethnic world that is polarized by class, politics, and race. The book embraces Jesus as one who was both Jewish and multi-ethnic and focuses on a theology of reconciled, multi-ethnic, and missional leadership.

Download or read book Restoring The Glory written by Th M Pharmd Edloe and published by Palmetto Publishing. This book was released on 2023-11-28 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover the Resilient Spirit of the Rural Black Church. The profound legacy and spiritual wealth of the Black Rural Church is a testament to the resilience and faith of countless souls. Dive deep into the heart and history of this venerable institution in a captivating exploration that illuminates the importance of the church's role in the lives of black religious adults. From the melodic hums of gospel hymns to the transformative sermons that have guided generations, the Black Rural Church has always been a beacon of hope, a sanctuary in times of trouble, and the heart of the community. This book uncovers the layers of its storied past, drawing from pioneering studies and bringing to light the rich tapestry of traditions, rituals, and unwavering faith. But it's not just about looking back-it's about forging ahead. In a rapidly changing world, how can the Rural Black Church continue to grow and serve its community? Confronting challenges and resistance to change, this exploration is also a clarion call to rejuvenate and restore the church to its former glory, ensuring it remains a vital cornerstone for future generations. Discover the intricate structure, organization, and cultural nuances of the Rural Black Church. Understand its origins, celebrate its traditions, and envisage its future. This is more than a historical account; it's a roadmap, a guide, and a passionate plea for recognition, appreciation, and revival. For every individual seeking connection, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of their spiritual roots, this book offers a heartfelt journey into the very soul of the Rural Black Church. It's not just about discovering history; it's about shaping the future. Embrace this enlightening voyage and be part of the movement to restore the glory and breathe new life into this treasured institution. Your faith journey awaits.

Download or read book Reviving the Church written by Kyle Lance Martin and published by Tate Publishing. This book was released on 2008-04 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The time is now for revival. Each Christian must take ownership of his or her faith, and become aware of the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. Describing his own journey, author Kyle Martin shares humorous stories from his everyday interactions, encouraging readers to fan the fire God has ignited to reach a new level of living-a life full of the Spirit, reviving the kingdom of God. Readers will remember they are disciples of Christ with the ability to impact others, encouraging them to experience the divine power of restoration, breathing life into the American church.

Download or read book Liberating Black Theology written by Anthony B. Bradley and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2010-02-03 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When the beliefs of Barack Obama's former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, assumed the spotlight during the 2008 presidential campaign, the influence of black liberation theology became hotly debated not just within theological circles but across cultural lines. How many of today's African-American congregations-and how many Americans in general-have been shaped by its view of blacks as perpetual victims of white oppression? In this interdisciplinary, biblical critique of the black experience in America, Anthony Bradley introduces audiences to black liberation theology and its spiritual and social impact. He starts with James Cone's proposition that the "victim" mind-set is inherent within black consciousness. Bradley then explores how such biblical misinterpretation has historically hindered black churches in addressing the diverse issues of their communities and prevented adherents from experiencing the freedoms of the gospel. Yet Liberating Black Theology does more than consider the ramifications of this belief system; it suggests an alternate approach to the black experience that can truly liberate all Christ-followers.

Download or read book Restoring The Glory written by Leonard L. Edloe and published by Palmetto Publishing. This book was released on 2023-11-28 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover the Resilient Spirit of the Rural Black Church. The profound legacy and spiritual wealth of the Black Rural Church is a testament to the resilience and faith of countless souls. Dive deep into the heart and history of this venerable institution in a captivating exploration that illuminates the importance of the church's role in the lives of black religious adults. From the melodic hums of gospel hymns to the transformative sermons that have guided generations, the Black Rural Church has always been a beacon of hope, a sanctuary in times of trouble, and the heart of the community. This book uncovers the layers of its storied past, drawing from pioneering studies and bringing to light the rich tapestry of traditions, rituals, and unwavering faith. But it's not just about looking back-it's about forging ahead. In a rapidly changing world, how can the Rural Black Church continue to grow and serve its community? Confronting challenges and resistance to change, this exploration is also a clarion call to rejuvenate and restore the church to its former glory, ensuring it remains a vital cornerstone for future generations. Discover the intricate structure, organization, and cultural nuances of the Rural Black Church. Understand its origins, celebrate its traditions, and envisage its future. This is more than a historical account; it's a roadmap, a guide, and a passionate plea for recognition, appreciation, and revival. For every individual seeking connection, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of their spiritual roots, this book offers a heartfelt journey into the very soul of the Rural Black Church. It's not just about discovering history; it's about shaping the future. Embrace this enlightening voyage and be part of the movement to restore the glory and breathe new life into this treasured institution. Your faith journey awaits.

Download or read book Face It Finding Answers Concerning Every Issue Today written by Ava S. Harvey, Sr. and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2019-03-20 with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Black church has traditionally served as the unifying agent within the Black community. It was the locus of formation regarding morality training, spiritual awareness and social activism. It provided a safe space for African Americans to heal from the evil wounds of slavery, bigotry, Jim Crow, discrimination and racism. In recent years the role and place of the Black church in the life of African American people has begun to diminish. In no specific gender is this reality seen more clearly than in the absence of Black men from church pews. Across denominational lines, irrespective of geographical locations, backgrounds, and class, Black men are exiting the Black church at a rate that is both shocking and alarming. The key to restoring the Black church lies within the heart and hands of the Black man. This book seeks to offer a new strategy to reach, resource, and restore the Black man to his God-given position of prominence by facing the issues that have marred his identity.

Download or read book Rooted and Rising written by Leah D. Schade and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2019-11-01 with total page 247 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rooted and Rising is for everyone who worries about the climate crisis and seeks spiritual practices and perspectives to renew their capacity for compassionate, purposeful, and joyful action. Leah Schade and Margaret Bullitt-Jonas gather twenty-one faith leaders, scientists, community organizers, theologians, and grassroots climate activists to offer wisdom for fellow pilgrims grappling with the weight of climate change. Acknowledging the unprecedented nature of our predicament—the fact that climate disruption is unraveling the web of life and threatening the end of human civilization—the authors share their stories of grief and hope, fear and faith. Together, the essays, introductory sections, and discussion questions reveal that our present crisis can elicit a depth of wisdom, insight, and motivation with power to guide us toward a more peaceful, just, and Earth-honoring future. With a foreword by Mary Evelyn Tucker and a special introduction by Bill McKibben, the book presents an interfaith perspective that welcomes and challenges readers of all backgrounds.