In the summer of 1964; the turmoil of the civil rights movement reached its peak in Mississippi; with activists across the political spectrum claiming that God was on their side in the struggle over racial justice. This was the summer when violence against blacks increased at an alarming rate and when the murder of three civil rights workers in Mississippi resulted in national media attention. Charles Marsh takes us back to this place and time; when the lives of activists on all sides of the civil rights issue converged and their images of God clashed. He weaves their voices into a gripping narrative: a Ku Klux Klansman; for example; borrows fiery language from the Bible to link attacks on blacks to his "priestly calling"; a middle-aged woman describes how the Gospel inspired her to rally other African Americans to fight peacefully for their dignity; a SNCC worker tells of harrowing encounters with angry white mobs and his pilgrimage toward a new racial spirituality called Black Power. Through these emotionally charged stories; Marsh invites us to consider the civil rights movement anew; in terms of religion as a powerful yet protean force driving social action. The book's central figures are Fannie Lou Hamer; who "worked for Jesus" in civil rights activism; Sam Bowers; the Imperial Wizard of the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan of Mississippi; William Douglas Hudgins; an influential white Baptist pastor and unofficial theologian of the "closed society"; Ed King; a white Methodist minister and Mississippi native who campaigned to integrate Protestant congregations; and Cleveland Sellers; a SNCC staff member turned black militant. Marsh focuses on the events and religious convictions that led each person into the political upheaval of 1964. He presents an unforgettable American social landscape; one that is by turns shameful and inspiring. In conclusion; Marsh suggests that it may be possible to sift among these narratives and lay the groundwork for a new thinking about racial reconciliation and the beloved community. He maintains that the person who embraces faith's life-affirming energies will leave behind a most powerful legacy of social activism and compassion.
#866677 in Books Marvin W Meyer 1999-03-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .95 x 5.98l; 1.32 #File Name: 0691004587432 pagesAncient Christian Magic Coptic Texts of Ritual Power
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. There is nothing quite like it and so ordered it againBy pat bernardiniThis is a scholarly work about early Coptic Christians belief in magic. The little illustrations are charming althought there are not many of them. . Originals are in museums. At the time; you could purchase magical spells from monks and this book details the practice. To me; It's fascinating. I purchased this book as an art reference. Years ago; when moving to smaller quarters; I sold the first copy I owned of this book. There is nothing quite like it and so ordered it again. There is nothing quite like it. Marvin Meyer is a meticulous writer.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. so I think this is a good book; for some peopleBy Kindle CustomerOk; so I think this is a good book; for some people. It was personally disappointing to me; because I guess I was looking for a more Israel Regardie ; Light working ir healing sort of magic. there where a lot of silly curses in this book."I WASN"T READY" ( in my Kevin Heart voice) But it is an interesting read as far as history lessons go. I do not recommend that anyone who is into magic engage in a bunch of what is called "Black Magic" which I think would include silly curses. It is interesting however to learn how the ancient Christian choose to use magic to protect themselves from the terrible political climate at the time.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This book gives an interesting view of ancient christian magic ...By J.B. RussellThis book gives an interesting view of ancient christian magic; but does not go into detail on the practice. It is more of a general overview of the concept.
