The Talking Book: African Americans and the Bible

by Allen Dwight Callahan

"A marvelous exploration of how the Bible has shaped African-American religion and culture" (Daniel J. Harrington, America ), from the early days of slavery to the present

“This is a landmark book. I am not aware of any book in print that draws so many telling conclusions about African Americans and the Bible.”—Mark A. Noll, University of Notre Dame

The Talking Book casts the Bible as the central character in a vivid portrait of Black America, tracing the origins of African-American culture from slavery’s secluded forest prayer meetings to the bright lights and bold style of today’s hip-hop artists.

The Bible has profoundly influenced African Americans throughout history. From a variety of perspectives this wide-ranging book is the first to explore the Bible’s role in the triumph of the black experience. Using the Bible as a foundation, African Americans shared religious beliefs, created their own music, and shaped the ultimate key to their freedom—literacy. Allen Callahan highlights the intersection of biblical images with African-American music, politics, religion, art, and literature.

The author tells a moving story of a biblically informed African-American culture, identifying four major biblical images—Exile, Exodus, Ethiopia, and Emmanuel. He brings these themes to life in a unique African-American history that grows from the harsh experience of slavery into a rich culture that endures as one of the most important forces of twenty-first-century America.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, African American, History, Christianity, Race

286 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an excellent resource for me as I struggled between wanting to be a social justice advocate and fighter of oppression, while believing and endorsing the bible (which is often a tool of oppression). It helped me merge my new social consciousness with my existing Christian beliefs

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I feel like I highlighted 95% because honestly, there was so much to think about and engage with. I can’t wait to read more of Callahan’s work.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've used this as a text as Howard Div. A good intro to african american biblical hermeneutics.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting, and thorough (but still accessible) collection of Black/African American history(ies), read through the lens of biblical interpretation. Callahan is acting as a historian, but through his representation of Black biblical interpretation, criticism, and theology, this book also presents as a work of Black theology. Particularly noteworthy is his extensive use of music, including spirituals and rap.

[Brian Scroggin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Stand Your Ground, I began to wonder about the growth of Christianity n this country and if what the author of Stand Your Ground said was try? African Americans see Christianity from a view which the God whom the slave masters worshipped could not be the same God whom the slaves prayed to for strength. This book goes deep into the roots of worship from antebellum times to day and encompasses a wide range of research information both biblical and actual to support his arguments.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

This is an amazing work of scholarship, culture and history. Callahan is an excellent writer and his insight is commanding and compelling.