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