African American Spirituality

Feminism and atheism are “dirty words” that Americans across the political spectrum love to debate - and hate. Throw them into a blender and you have a toxic brew that supposedly defies decency, respectability, and Americana. Putting gender at the center of the equation, progressive “Religious Nones” of color are spearheading an anti-racist, social justice humanism that disrupts the “colorblind” ethos of European American atheist and humanist agendas, which focus principally on church-state separation.

The American political scene today is poisonously divided, and the vast majority of white evangelicals plays a strikingly unified, powerful role in the disunion. These evangelicals raise a starkly consequential question for electoral politics: Why do they claim morality while supporting politicians who act immorally by most Christian measures? In this clear-eyed, hard-hitting chronicle of American religion and politics, Anthea Butler answers that racism is at the core of conservative evangelical activism and power.

Why has Christianity, a religion premised upon neighborly love, failed in its attempts to heal social divisions? In this ambitious and wide-ranging work, Willie James Jennings delves deep into the late medieval soil in which the modern Christian imagination grew, to reveal how Christianity's highly refined process of socialization has inadvertently created and maintained segregated societies.

Fourth-generation fundamentalist Carlton Pearson, a Christian megastar and host, takes a courageous and controversial stand on religion: he proposes a hell-less Christianity and a gospel of inclusion that calls for an end to local and worldwide conflicts and divisions along religious lines.

The true-life story of the woman whose life sentence for nonviolent drug trafficking was commuted by President Donald Trump thanks to the efforts of Kim Kardashian West - an inspiring memoir of faith, hope, mercy, and gratitude.

True to Our Native Land is a pioneering commentary on the New Testament that sets biblical interpretation firmly in the context of African American experience and concern. In this second edition, the scholarship is cutting-edge, updated, and expanded to be in tune with African American culture, education, and churches.

It's never fun when life happens and things change.... Maddox Fox, a/k/a Mr. Competitive has come face to face with his past, right when he was getting ready to explore his future, with the highly competitive, Dr. Gazelle Shaw. When Gazelle makes a suggestion that Maddox eventually succumbs to, he finds himself face to face with the woman he left behind. Now, he's having to give up what he desired to take care of what God decides. Dr. Gazelle Necole Shaw is no youngster, but there are some unfinished emotions from some things in her past that has brought her front and center with her past. ...

A grandmother's theology carries wisdom strong enough for future generations. The Divine has been showing up at the kitchen tables of Black women for a long time. It's time to get to know that God.

In 1955, fourteen-year-old Emmett Till was lynched. That remains an undisputed fact of the case that ignited a flame within the Civil Rights Movement that has yet to be extinguished. Yet the rest of the details surrounding the event remain distorted by time and too many tellings. What does justice mean in the resolution of a cold case spanning nearly seven decades?

What is the true nature and mission of the church? Is its proper Christian purpose to save souls, or to transform the social order? This question is especially fraught when the church is one built by an enslaved people and formed, from its beginning, at the center of an oppressed community's fight for personhood and freedom. Such is the central tension in the identity and mission of the Black church in the United States.

Most people think that money is the key to happiness, but when an ecstatic Nina Lawson wins millions in the Powerball lottery, her world is turned upside down. At first, she and her fiance, Rick, are delighted with the unexpected windfall and immediately begin planning their future. Soon, family members and friends begin coming out of the woodwork to claim a piece of Nina's winnings. But the most unexpected request comes from Todd, Nina's ex-husband.

In Mr. Committed, you find the power of second chances, the beauty of God's grace, and the undeniable magic of love. Connor Malloy, a/k/a Mr. Committed, has devoted his life to serving God and staying on the right path. A compelling dream tempts him to revisit a forbidden road from his past. He's now face-to-face with a life-altering choice that tests his faith and commitment to God. Katie Landry—not ready for love, but with an intuitive sense, she recognizes a good man when she sees one. Drawn to Connor by how he loves others, Katie wonders if she's worthy of his love. Yet, she knows a ...

Charlie Dates, Romell Williams, George Parks, Jr., Terry D. Streeter and a cast of pastors and preaching professors collaborate to demonstrate the power of exposition in the cradle of the Black pulpit. The contributors in this volume give examples of African American biblical exposition in every section of the Old Testament and New Testament. They also explain how to preach from narrative, poetical, prophetic, epistolary, and apocalyptic genres throughout the Scriptures.

Carter Woodson (1875-1950) was a prominent Black leader and intellectual who raised awareness of the Black historical experience by initiating the first Black History Week, which later became Black History Month. Published in 1921, The History of the Negro Church traces the development of the Black churches in the US from colonial times to the early years of the 20th century. The work includes a series of biographical sketches of church leaders through the decades, beginning with early church movements in the North and efforts to minister to slaves in the South.

The 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin, an African American teenager in Florida, and the subsequent acquittal of his killer, brought public attention to controversial "Stand Your Ground" laws. The verdict, as much as the killing, sent shock waves through the African American community, recalling a history of similar deaths, and the long struggle for justice. On the Sunday morning following the verdict, black preachers around the country addressed the question, "Where is the justice of God? What are we to hope for?"

Shay Tolliver has a world of her own intertwined with close friends located near and far. Terrell Fletcher moved to Arizona three years ago from Detroit, Michigan. But only a year and a half ago, he relocated to Lake Havasu City where Shay lives. They connect with one another through a social website for all types of people named Sexy Elite. Terrell reaches out to Shay one day and they find out they have more in common than meets the eye ordinarily.

He needs money to expand his business. She’s willing to give him all he needs if his faith goes deeper. Can this billionaire banker show this small-time-dreamer that some things are just a glimpse of what’s really purposed for you? Kivers Landry a/k/ Mr. Creative, the founder of Creative Concepts is going to meet a billionaire financial backer, Lauralee Bergans and nothing will be as he assumed. When he gets there, Bergans tells him that everything looks well but she needs more. Kivers could either go back to his boys and tell them he blew the deal, or go back to Bergans & Bright ...

Hoodoo has been a powerful force of protection, community, and enlightenment for African Americans. However, misinformation and Hollywood sensationalism have made it difficult to learn about the truth of this practice. In Reclaiming The Power of Hoodoo, you’ll learn the rich and colorful history of hoodoo and how to start your own practice. There is magic in the world, and all you have to do is claim it.

On July 2, 1822, Denmark Vesey, a formerly enslaved man, was hanged in Charleston, South Carolina. He was convicted of plotting what might have been the largest insurrection against slaveholders in US history. Witnesses claimed that Vesey appealed to numerous biblical texts to promote and justify the revolt.

Welcome to a magical and enriching journey! Marvel your little explorer with "The Incredible Adventures of the Elephant", a literary work designed to nurture the young reader's imagination and ignite his desire to explore magical worlds. The captivating illustrations will not only catch his attention but also awaken his curiosity, guaranteeing an exciting journey into the fascinating universe of reading. This book is a gateway to a cultural and spiritual universe. You will discover a beautiful story passed down through generations in the Afro-Latin culture. Accompanying each story, you will...