In recent years Christian scholars have become increasingly aware of their responsibility to recognize and respond to the challenges posed by ethnic and racial diversity. Similarly; historically white Christian colleges; universities; seminaries and congregations are struggling to transform themselves into communities that are welcoming to minorities and sensitive to their needs. This collection of all-new essays is meant to enable those who are engaged in these initiatives to understand the historical linkage of race; ethnicity and Christianity and to explore the ways in which constructive change can be achieved. The volume is the product of a long-term study funded by the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology. In the course of this study it emerged that many Christian institutions now offer courses on race and ethnicity; but that there is very little relevant literature written from the standpoint of rigorous Christian scholarship. This book is intended to fill that gap. The authors address such questions as: What has been the history of Christian churches and leaders in relation to slavery; segregation; and apartheid? Which biblical texts and doctrines have historically been employed on behalf of racial projects; and which are relevant to the racial and ethnic crises of our day? How have religious leaders constructively engaged such crises? How do congregations shape the values; civic commitments; understandings and sensitivities of their membership? How can local congregations be sites for racial reconciliation and justice initiatives? Are there positive models for how churches and other religious institutions have helped to bring healing to racial and ethnic tensions and divides? How might Christians in the professions work to bring justice to business; education; government; and other areas of society? When good intentions fail to accomplish desired ends; how do we analyze what went wrong? Written by an interracial and interethnic team of scholars representing diverse disciplines; this book will meet a pressing need and set a new standard for the discussion of race and ethnicity in the Christian context.
#283835 in Books Herbert S Klein 2007-09-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.00 x .80 x 9.10l; .96 #File Name: 0195189426312 pagesAfrican Slavery in Latin America and the Caribbean
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Kristen RinehartThis is a difficult and painful read; but it is highly informative.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy CharlesA must read3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent SynthesisBy S. SmithHerbert Klein’s book is an interesting and detailed comparative study of African slavery in the Spanish-; Portuguese-; and French-speaking areas of America and the Dutch and English Caribbean colonies. It also compares the slavery in North America; and much of his analysis is cincerns issues also relevant to North America.Klein first discusses recent social theories of slavery then describes the evolution of the slave trade and American slavery. He emphasises the distinction between slavery and other types of servitude. The use of Africans as chattel slaves was based on Roman legal structures that western societies adopted and adapted. Although African peoples had slaves; their use was organised in a totally different way than was New World slavery.After this sociological and legal introduction; the core of his study is economics of slavery in Brazil and the Caribbean islands in the 18th and 19th centuries; when the sugar plantation was at its height. Despite the focus on the plantation; he makes it clear that slavery was ubiquitous throughout Latin America and the Caribbean from the 16th to 19th century in a range of other employments including mining; crafts and domestic service. The use of slaves was limited only by their price: until the mid-19th century ethical considerations hardly arose.Klein analyses the structure of slavery; the economics of plantation and also the social history of Latin American slaves: their family life; communities and the Afro-American culture they created: a blend of African and adopted western institutions. His last five chapters deal with the themes of urban slavery; slave resistance and rebellion; the role of freed slaves in slave-holding societies and emancipation.This is a work of synthesis intended for students and general readers; not new research. It does challenge some common misconceptions. One was the dominance of a "triangular trade" of European manufactures; African slaves; and American sugar; as many slave ships carried little cargo. Another blames the predominance of male African slaves on a lack of American demand for women rather than; as Klein suggests; the greater value of female slaves in Africa societies. It is well organised and clearly written; with a bibliography essay and notes for further study although; despite its concentration the economics of slavery; just three small statistical tables in an appendix.
