Slave Religion: The "Invisible Institution" in the Antebellum South

I enjoyed reading, "Slave Religion: The Invisible Institution" in the Antebellum South." I was able to read this book within a matter of days. The book touched upon subject matter that I never had thought about. For example, are African-Americans more spiritual than other ethnic groups? Another reason to ponder is: Were religious institutions the center of African-Americans because of racism? I rated this book with 4 stars because I was expecting to read a correlation between African and African-American religion and spiritualism. The author did not focus on that subject matter. Overall, this book is worth buying. I did enjoy reading it and I did gain insight about my ancestors and religion and spiritualism in the south.

How did religious life among slaves develop, and against what obstacles? What was the nature of this religious life? What type of effect did it have on their character, views of slavery, desire for freedom, and views of themselves? Originally published in 1978 as a revised version of his dissertation, Yale historian Dr. Albert J. Raboteau answers these questions through inspiring first-hand accounts of black Christians persevering in their faith despite persecution at the hands of white slaveowners, many of whom where professing Christians.

The first portion of this book which talked about various African traditions in America was actually rather academic and a bit boring. After that, I loved when the work began sharing the stories of Christian slaves, from preachers to ordinary believers. I learned a ton about that whole side of history. Albert examined every corner of the subject. I was often reduced to tears by some of the stories. Here's one of my favorites: "Yer see I am a preacher. De Lord call me once when I was workin’. … He call me and told me, in imagination, you know, that he wanted me to preach. I told him I didn’t know enough—that I was ig’nant, and the folks would laugh at me. But he drew me on and I prayed. I prayed out in the woods, and every time I tried to get up from my knees He would draw me down again. An’ at last a great light came down sudden to me, a light as big as the moon, an’ struck me hard on the head and on each shoulder and on the bress, here and here and here… And den same time warm was in around my heart, and I felt that the Book was there. An’ my tongue was untied, and I preach ever since and is not afraid. I can’t read de Book, but I has it here, I has de text, and de meanin’, and I speaks as well as I can, and de congregation takes what the Lord gives me."

Some books are classics; "Slave Religion" is THE Classic in this genre. Raboteau, America's foremost scholar on African American religious history, weaves copious first-hand quotations with insightful, riveting commentary to provide a tremendous foundation for understanding Christianity among the enslaved African Americas. Chapter after chapter, "Slave Religion" opens deeper and deeper layers of understanding. As you read, you sense Raboteau transporting you back directly into the historical experiences. His writing is so thoroughly researched as well as so adeptly penned, that scholar, student, and lay reader alike can equally enjoy and benefit from it. Peerless. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."

The classic with an excellent postscript by the author.

Excellent information facts not widely talked about

Inspiring stories and testimonies, not just theory and intellect but heart and soul stories that lend credence to our historical understanding of slave religion and the people who practiced it.

Oh my Goodness! This book is unnerving.

Very Good Read.

ty

I enjoyed reading, "Slave Religion: The Invisible Institution" in the Antebellum South." I was able to read this book within a matter of days. The book touched upon subject matter that I never had thought about. For example, are African-Americans more spiritual than other ethnic groups? Another reason to ponder is: Were religious institutions the center of African-Americans because of racism? I rated this book with 4 stars because I was expecting to read a correlation between African and African-American religion and spiritualism. The author did not focus on that subject matter. Overall, this book is worth buying. I did enjoy reading it and I did gain insight about my ancestors and religion and spiritualism in the south.

How did religious life among slaves develop, and against what obstacles? What was the nature of this religious life? What type of effect did it have on their character, views of slavery, desire for freedom, and views of themselves? Originally published in 1978 as a revised version of his dissertation, Yale historian Dr. Albert J. Raboteau answers these questions through inspiring first-hand accounts of black Christians persevering in their faith despite persecution at the hands of white slaveowners, many of whom where professing Christians.

The first portion of this book which talked about various African traditions in America was actually rather academic and a bit boring. After that, I loved when the work began sharing the stories of Christian slaves, from preachers to ordinary believers. I learned a ton about that whole side of history. Albert examined every corner of the subject. I was often reduced to tears by some of the stories. Here's one of my favorites: "Yer see I am a preacher. De Lord call me once when I was workin’. … He call me and told me, in imagination, you know, that he wanted me to preach. I told him I didn’t know enough—that I was ig’nant, and the folks would laugh at me. But he drew me on and I prayed. I prayed out in the woods, and every time I tried to get up from my knees He would draw me down again. An’ at last a great light came down sudden to me, a light as big as the moon, an’ struck me hard on the head and on each shoulder and on the bress, here and here and here… And den same time warm was in around my heart, and I felt that the Book was there. An’ my tongue was untied, and I preach ever since and is not afraid. I can’t read de Book, but I has it here, I has de text, and de meanin’, and I speaks as well as I can, and de congregation takes what the Lord gives me."

Some books are classics; "Slave Religion" is THE Classic in this genre. Raboteau, America's foremost scholar on African American religious history, weaves copious first-hand quotations with insightful, riveting commentary to provide a tremendous foundation for understanding Christianity among the enslaved African Americas. Chapter after chapter, "Slave Religion" opens deeper and deeper layers of understanding. As you read, you sense Raboteau transporting you back directly into the historical experiences. His writing is so thoroughly researched as well as so adeptly penned, that scholar, student, and lay reader alike can equally enjoy and benefit from it. Peerless. Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."

The classic with an excellent postscript by the author.

Excellent information facts not widely talked about

Inspiring stories and testimonies, not just theory and intellect but heart and soul stories that lend credence to our historical understanding of slave religion and the people who practiced it.

Oh my Goodness! This book is unnerving.

Very Good Read.

ty

I recommend this to anyone wanting to know more, historically and contemporarily, about African American religion. It is befitting for students in high school to graduate school. I thought about selling my books after using them, but this one I will definitely hold on to.

Eye opening!! Awesome service.

great

This was a comprehensive examination of the spirituality of slaves in United States and it's impact on religion in the 19th and 20th centuries.

A+++

Thank you!

The book's eminence well precedes my discovering and reading it. I really appreciated Raboteau's ability to pull many sources of information into a highly readable essay on African American life and religion in a new world setting intended to break their spirits while it harnessed their labor.

Great!

great resource

Helped me appreciate both the plight of the slaves and the beauty of their faith. Great use of primary sources from interviews with former slaves.

None

Received as needed. Thank you.

Arrived on time and in good condition.

Described perfectly! Exactly what I expected.