Mechal Sobel's fascinating study of the religious history of slaves and free blacks in antebellum America is presented here in a compact volume without the appendixes. Sobel's central thesis is that Africans brought their world views into North America where; eventually; under the tremendous pressures and hardships of chattel slavery; they created a coherent faith that preserved and revitalized crucial African understandings and usages regarding spirit and soul-travels; while melding them with Christian understandings of Jesus and individual salvation.
#208509 in Books Abingdon Press 2006-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .40 x 6.00l; .56 #File Name: 0687343941148 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Great primer!By Justin HydeThis volume is part of a larger collection of "Essential Guides" and serves as a great example of the rest of the series.In this short book; Carter offers a very helpful primer and surveys a wide variety of first-century Roman dynamics including Imperial Officials; Demographics (urban and rural); Religious and Political Personnel; and Imperial Theology. Carter even devotes an entire chapter to the "Economics; Food; and Health" of the Empire.As the series editors make clear; this volume is an introduction to the topic covered; not an in-depth analysis. Yet this book fits well along side other titles in a New Testament Survey course. Indeed; this book is important and helpful for all serious students of the Bible because as Carter notes; "the New Testament texts assume and engages Rome's world in every chapter" (1).For those interested in biblical studies and ancient history this book comes highly recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A good book for allBy nabil.habibyThis book is good; and it has the basic information for any beginner; and at the same time it presents a new and fresh outlook on the appropriate way of reading the New Testament in light of the presence of the Roman Empire as an essential player in all that happens. Moreover; it is short which makes it accessible for those of feeble-hearts and little time ;)My one negative remark (and the reason for the 4 stars); is that it tends to get a little repetitive (i.e: the idea that the Roman society was divided into two big groups of elite and non-elite...etc.). Perhaps however; this helps the reader grasp the ideas more firmly.All in all; a very good book for all types of interested readers!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Context of the New TestamentBy Michael HarveyI recommend it for small groups and for personal study.
