How did an African-American man born in a ghetto in 1879 rise to such religious prominence that his followers addressed letters to him simply "God; Harlem U.S.A."?Using hitherto unknown materials; Jill Watts portrays the life and career of one of the twentieth century's most intriguing religious leaders; Father Divine. Starting as an itinerant preacher; Father Divine built an unprecedented movement that by the 1930s had attracted followers across the nation and around the world. As his ministry grew; so did the controversy surrounding his enormous wealth; flamboyant style; and committed "angels"—black and white; rich and poor alike.Here for the first time a full account of Father Divine's childhood and early years challenges previous contentions that he was born into a sharecropping family in the deep South. While earlier biographers have concentrated on Father Divine's social and economic programs; Watts focuses on his theology; which gives new meaning to secular activities that often appeared contradictory. Although much has been written about Father Divine; God; Harlem U.S.A. finally provides a balanced and intimate account of his life's work.
#828278 in Books 1980-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 #File Name: 0520040317348 pages
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