Hello all---

I attend a Mennonite seminary and although there are a number of African-American seminarians, there are NO books there about African-American spirituality and culture.

Please let me know if any of you have texts that you are willing to part with to help me build an African-American resource section in our seminary.

Thanks!

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2003

Answers

Hello Shaunna:

I am a literature person and I have a book that I can recommend to you. I have a copy that I can't say that I'll part with, but you might find it interesting nevertheless. I was introduced to this book in undergrad when I took an African American Literature course. The theme was black women and spirituality. The name of the book that I recommed to you is called Sisters in the Spirit. The editor is William L. Andrews. The book includes the spiritual autobiographies of three African American women who preached the gospel from 1836-1879. The women are our very own Jarena Lee as well as Julia A. Foote and Zilpha Elaw. These women were pioneers and helped to launch a feminist revolution of sorts in American religion. Their stories make for a very interesting read and those who are interested in religious history and culture in America, particularly the black church, might find this book interesting. If I can get my hands on another copy, I'll be willing to donate it to your seminary.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2003

Opps! The book is called Sisters of the Spirit. It's funny, I don't even subscribe to Essence Magazine, so I find that to be an interesting Freudian slip...

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2003