African American Religious Subtleties Other Religious Expressions.
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Transcript of African American Religious Subtleties Other Religious Expressions.
African American Religious Subtleties
Other Religious Expressions
African American Religious Bodies
the Church of the Living God, Christian Workers for Fellowship, 1889
the Church of Christ (Holiness) USA, 1894
the Church of God in Christ, 1895
the Church of God and the Saints of Christ, 1896
the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, 1908
the Churches of God, Holiness, 1914
the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God, 1916
the Church of the Living God, “The Pillar and Ground of Truth,” 1925.
M M Fischer
He points out a few characteristics about African American religiosity particularly as it relates to non Christian churches There are many of them in many parts of the US They are contra-distinct from mainline Christianity
Which are growing in number They invoke an interracial fellowship Preach an equality for women Act as prophets to the larger society denouncing such
things as tobacco use
Marcus Garvey1887-1940
Born in the Jamaica, West Indies he became a strong proponent of Black Nationalism and of a Black Nation.
He instilled pride in Blacks and encouraged them to fight racism.
He successfully started a black shipping line.
He accentuated Black achievement which rival achievement of others ethnic groups.
http://www.isop.ucla.edu/mgpp/photo01.htm
Black Jews, Hebrews and Israelites
There are many Black Jews There are several factors
that account for the emergence of Black Jewry A strong religious
background where someone became Jewish
Possible ancestral traditions (ten lost tribes)
Close affinity to Hebrews of the Old Testament
Other sects: The Church of God Church of God Nation of Yahweh Kingdom of God Rastafarians Nubian Islamic Hebrews Israel School of
Universal Practical Knowledge (aka Twelve Tribes)
Example of Black Jewish life
Chief Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew (1892-1973) for example.
He founded the Commandment Keepers Congregation in Harlem in 1919
He preached that: Black people were important
contributors to biblical history. Egyptians and Ethiopians
achievements great things. Ancient Hebrews were black.
His services followed Orthodox style He organized a school which
emphasized a Jewish curriculumhttp://blackjews.org/images/MatthewTORH.jpg
Father Divine Born George Baker in Rockville,
MD in 1879 Founded the Peace Mission
Movement Thought to be a mean,
black autocrat who deluded his followers into thinking that he was divine.
However, some believe that he “created a philosophy of positive thinking. . “
After a judge’s death in a suburb of NY the PMM moved to Harlem
The movement consisted of blacks and whites and embraced everyone. Divine spurned racial segregation.
http://www.freepress.org/fleming/graphics/68reflec.jpg
Father Divine’s Philosophy He promoted positive
thinking One’s positive thoughts
toward God enabled one to discern God.
He says (page 480) “But if you are sincere . . . in the beginning.”
God is able to reach the heart and mind no matter where a person is.
He says that he will set some free from that persons’ bad condition if that person will make mental and spiritual contact.
http://www.rockvillemd.gov/bin/e/x/FatherDivine.gif
Father Divine’s Philosophy
One contacts Father Divine by relaxing one’s mind.
One must believe in the omnipotence of God in order to “gain victory” over one’s thoughts.
FD says that he possessed God’s body.
God will take care of you. As one visualizes God one
can visualize other possibilities.
http://fdipmm.libertynet.org/quotes/duesenfd.jpg
Sweet Daddy Grace
Born Mercelino Graca in Brava Verde in 1882.
Died in 1960 Founded
House of Prayer in Egypt in 1923
United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte, NC in 1926
And Incorporated United House of Prayer for All People Church on the rock of the Apostolic Faith at Washington, DC
http://www.umassd.edu/SpecialPrograms/caboverde/daddygrace.gif
United House of Prayer The United House of Prayer
for all People Was founded in by
Daddy Grace in Wareham, MA in 1919
Daddy Grace was the sole leader
was a charismatic sect Welcomed everyone
although many were poor Preached hope to many There were many
churches called “house of prayer” along the east coast http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/doc_img/215142.jpg
Sweet Daddy
Daddy Grace was seen as a healer, miracle worker and even God Incarnate to some.
He was a flamboyant, charismatic leader who became quite wealthy.
In order to join one must have a “conversion experience”
There is a creed His churches helped many
people physically and spiritually. His legacy provided jobs, day
care centers, inexpensive housing, food banks and senior citizen centers.
http://capeverde-islands.com/grace.html
Sources
Slide 5 - http://members.aol.com/Blackjews/ Slide 6 - http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/info-
url3948/info-url_show.htm?doc_id=215142&attrib_id=7973