Black Man's Religion
Can Christianity Be Afrocentric?
- Christian Living
- Publisher: IVP Academic (InterVarsity Press)
- Published: 1996
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Publisher's Description
Some say Christianity is white man's religion....And it is true that there is a long and ugly history of abuse of African-Americans at the hands of Anglo Christians. Afrocentric interpretations of history often point to slavery, lynchings and the like as proof that Christianity is inherently antiblack. But Craig Keener and Glen Usry contend that Christianity can be Afrocentric. In this massively researched book, they show that racism is not unique to Christianity. More important, they showhow "world history is also our history and the Bible is also our book." Black Man's Religion is one of the first of its kind, a pro-Christian reading of religion and history from a black perspective. Fascinating and compelling, it is must reading for all concerned for African-American culture and issues of faith.
Endorsements (6)
“Herein is a fair treatment of the Black church, its 'usable past' and current mandates, that avoids both the pitfalls of uncritical, popular notions of African heritage in the Black church and the myopia extant in white Christian circles that have denied people of African descent their proper place in salvation history.”
“This book is a valuable resource for evangelistic apologetics--all the more useful for its bicultural authorship. I recommend it highly, especially for those involved in urban and campus-based ministries.”
“Black Man's Religion is a much-needed and long-awaited work! It combines the brilliance of one of the country's leading biblical scholars and the passion of a pastor who is trying to reach a generation being lured away from the 'God of our weary years' by others who teach half truths. The sensitive, balanced, thorough and exhaustive work (written so that lay people can understand it) is 'just what the doctor ordered' in terms of our African American youths who are wrestling with their Afrocentricity and the claims of the Nation of Islam versus the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ! I recommend this book highly to all high school students, college students, parents, pastors and young persons who are trying to find out the 'truth' about the African origins of our faith.”
“A corroborative effort thoroughly researched, well documented and systematically presented. The sweep through epics of history clearly confirms that an Afrocentric presence is found at the historical roots of Christianity. The question of race eludes ethnic bias and utilizes the cultural evidence within ancient societies as a testimony to the varied interpretations of what constitutes a Black race. Each chapter makes a significant contribution to the continuing dialogue concerning the Blackman's presence in the formative and present religion called 'Christianity'. "This book is invaluable in giving new insights and providing information that future writers will review in a critical statement concerning the Black man's role in the development of Christianity as a world religion. This book is destined to be a major work on the subject. It has an ecumenical appeal beyond a targeted audience of race. For every inquirer it is essential, and for every Bible student it is a must.”
“The authors present a superb 'apology' for Christianity as indeed a Black man's religion as much as the religion of any other group or groups, against adversaries of whatever color or race. I find the volume to be very timely: it supplies a refutation of many insupportable criticisms of Christianity and a corrective of many false claims rampant in the African American community and elsewhere. At the same time it provides a positive program for combatting racism wherever it is found. I am happy to endorse the volume without reservation.”
“Black Man's Religion: Can Christianity Be Afrocentric? is a breath of fresh air in this world of confusion. Every African American, after reading this powerful book, should be able to answer Jesus' question, 'Who do you say that I am?'”
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