A Fire in the Bones: Reflections on African-American Religious History

by Albert J. Raboteau

Overview

In this fascinating collection of essays, Albert Raboteau reexamines the rich history of the African-American religious experience. Through his exploration of traditions that include the Baptist revivals, the AME Church, Black Catholics and African Orisa religions, Raboteau demonstrates how the active faith of African-Americans shaped their institutions and empowered their struggle for social justice throughout their history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807009338
Publisher:	Beacon Press
Publication date:	12/19/1996
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Albert Raboteau, Henry W. Putnam Professor of Religion at Princeton University, is also author of Slave Religion.

Editorial Reviews

'A Fire in the Bones is more than a history of black Christians: it is the compelling story of the ways in which black folk have turned to Christianity to describe their history and plight in America and to project their vision of redemption to the greater nation . . . A must read.' —Craig Steven Wilder, New York Newsday

'A major contribution . . . Beautifully narrated.' —Rembert Weakland, The New York Times Book Review

From the Publisher

"I used to wonder what made people shout, but now I don't. There is a joy on the inside, and it wells up so strong that we can't keep still. It is fire in the bones." These words of a former slave describing religious services just after Emancipation serve as a metaphor for the "sorrowful joy" that gives African-American Christianity its distinctive character. The words resonated within the Raboteau (religion, Princeton U.), whose nine essays blend scholarship and personal family history to explore black faith and its value for all Americans. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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