Fortress Intro Black Church History

by Anne H. Pinn, Anthony B. Pinn (Editor)

A concise and accessible history A brief history of black Christian churches in the United States has long been needed. Larger sociological and historical studies have enhanced the picture of the historically black denominations. At the same time, black-church members need a handy introduction to their own religious homes, as do college students of American history and religion. This volume, co-authored by a black minister and a black theologian, provides an overview of the shape and history of major black religious Methodist, Baptist, and Pentecostal. It introduces the denominations and their demographics before relating their historical development from the eighteenth century to the end of the Civil Rights Movement into the groups we know today. A final chapter sketches the state of the black Christian church bodies today and their ongoing contributions to a more just American society. The Pinns' book will help a new generation of black Americans assess its religious legacy and the larger society to gauge its social import.

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2001

Reviews

[Anthony Spina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really helpful introduction to the history of the Black Church within the United States. Pinn & Pinn’s work helps dissect some of the history of the Black Church within Methodist, Baptist and Pentecostal churches.

I particularly enjoyed the latter half of the book where more contemporary questions concerning the Black Church were named and discussed - especially origins of the Social Gospel and Black Liberation Theology.

I highly recommend for someone looking for a brief history/introduction into the Black American Church experience.

[Bledar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of resilience

When I think of the black experience, my mind brings to attention the emancipation of Wilberforce, the Civil Rights of Martin Luther King Jr and the Black lives matter of today.

A gospel for all people and especially for Black people, at times in collision of spilts of theology and/or personality are documented on this book.

While not knowing how representative of the Black Church History, since this is the first book I read on the Black Church, I found the read informative and engaging. As such, I would recommend for reading.

[Patrick Shuman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro to Black Church History, especially for those of us unfamiliar with many of its roots