My daughter is in orientation at her seminary and of the people they are discussing in terms of theological importance is Howard Thurman.

Do you have insights and reflections of the importance of Howard Thurman to the world.

Thanks

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2004

Answers

Well, he is one of the few African American ministers that was effective in drawing large numbers of whites to his congregation and is really the paradigm for pastoring a multiethnic congregation.

His commentary on Habbakuk in the older version of the Interpreter's Bible was one of the best ever written on that subject.

I was 17 when he died and never heard him preach, but a good friend of mine who is a decade older still lists Thurman as one of the most spiritually gifted preachers that he's ever experienced (mind you, Thurman was in his late 70's when my friend heard him).

Of course, he was a correspondent of Gandhi and a mentor to King, Jr. and is easily the most succinct writer on the theology of liberation. Some would say he's THE greatest American-born theologian ever.

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2004

Greetings Rev Rogers One of my favorite books is "For in Inward Journey" which is a collection of Dr Thurman's writings. I knew him as a student when he was at Boston University in the late 50's early 60's. The link below takes you to a site that discusses his legacy

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week520/feature.html

God Bless Bro Bob

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2004

Thank you Rev. Cager and Bro. Bob for your response to my question. What a great man Rev. Thurman was. I enjoyed the video on the web page you listed bro. bob. It was great to hear his voice. I realize that I do not know that much about rev. thurman and will have to read his books. When I was in seminary the only black theologian that was discussed was Dr. King. I am excited that Dr. Thurman was introduced to incoming students at my daughter's seminary.

Bob, can you share some Dr. Thurman stories with us on the board?

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2004

Howard Thurman was a towering intellect in the field of theology for nearly 50 years. Arguably the most influential black thinkers in religion during the 20th century were all Morehouse men: Thurman, Benjamin Mays and Martin Luther King, Jr. While I don't share the view by some that Thurman was the greatest theologian born on American soil, his impact cannot be denied. His classic work was "Jesus & The Disinherited". If anyone is planning a visit to Daytona Beach, FL there are two must see places of black history significance - Bethune-Cookman College and Howard Thurman's childhood home. QED

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2004