African American Religious Subtleties

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African American Religious Subtleties

• Other Religious Expressions

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African American Religious Bodies

• 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.

• 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

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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

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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
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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)

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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
  curriculum

http//blackjews.org/images/MatthewTORH.jpg
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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 judges 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
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Father Divines Philosophy

• He promoted positive thinking
• Ones 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.gi
f
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Father Divines Philosophy

• One contacts Father Divine by relaxing ones
  mind.
• One must believe in the omnipotence of God in
  order to gain victory over ones thoughts.
• FD says that he possessed Gods body.
• God will take care of you.
• As one visualizes God one can visualize other
  possibilities.

http//fdipmm.libertynet.org/quotes/duesenfd.jpg
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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/da
ddygrace.gif
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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.jp
g
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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
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Sources

• Slide 5 - http//members.aol.com/Blackjews/
• Slide 6 - http//www.culturaltourismdc.org/info-ur
  l3948/info-url_show.htm?doc_id215142attrib_id79
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