Black History Month Scripture

Black History Month Scripture: Finding Faith, Strength, and Resilience in Sacred Texts

Introduction:

Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and remembrance. It's a time to honor the countless contributions of Black individuals throughout history who have shaped our world. But beyond the historical narratives, a powerful source of strength and resilience for many Black individuals and communities throughout history has been their faith. This post delves into the intersection of Black History and scripture, exploring how faith has been a vital source of hope, perseverance, and empowerment in the face of adversity. We'll examine key biblical verses and themes that resonate deeply with the Black experience, offering a powerful lens through which to understand the enduring legacy of faith within the Black community. Prepare to be inspired by stories of faith, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.


I. The Exodus Story: A Powerful Symbol of Liberation

The Exodus story, the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, has served as a potent symbol of hope and freedom for countless generations, particularly within the Black community. The Israelites' journey from bondage to freedom mirrors the struggles and aspirations of enslaved Africans and their descendants. The experience of oppression, the cry for deliverance, and the ultimate triumph over adversity resonate deeply with the historical narrative of Black people in America and across the diaspora. Verses such as Exodus 14:14 ("The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."), Exodus 3:7-8 (God's promise to Moses), and Psalm 124 (a psalm of deliverance) provide solace, encouragement, and a reaffirmation of God's unwavering commitment to justice and liberation. Analyzing these scriptures within the context of the Black experience reveals a powerful message of hope and the enduring power of faith in the face of unimaginable hardship.

II. Psalms of Lament and Resilience: Giving Voice to Suffering

The Book of Psalms contains numerous laments, expressions of pain, grief, and injustice. These psalms, often characterized by raw emotion and honest grappling with suffering, provide a space for acknowledging the pain and trauma experienced throughout Black history. Psalms such as Psalm 22 (a psalm of profound suffering and eventual hope), Psalm 137 (a psalm reflecting the exile and longing for home), and Psalm 91 (a psalm emphasizing God's protection) offer a pathway for expressing the complex emotions associated with the Black experience – from enslavement and Jim Crow to systemic racism and contemporary challenges. By embracing these psalms, individuals can find solace, validation, and a sense of community with those who have shared similar struggles.

III. Prophecies of Justice and Equality: A Call for Social Change

Many prophetic passages in the Old Testament speak to themes of justice, equality, and the liberation of the oppressed. Isaiah 61:1-4, with its message of "proclaiming freedom to the captives," has been particularly resonant within the Black church and civil rights movements. Micah 6:8 ("He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.") serves as a moral compass, highlighting the responsibility to strive for justice and equality. These passages inspire action and serve as a powerful reminder that faith necessitates a commitment to social justice and actively working towards a more equitable world.

IV. The Life and Teachings of Jesus: A Paradigm of Love and Compassion

The teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing love, compassion, forgiveness, and the inherent worth of every individual, have profoundly influenced the Black faith tradition. Jesus' ministry focused on uplifting the marginalized and oppressed, and his actions and words consistently challenge systems of injustice and inequality. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), for instance, challenges prejudice and promotes empathy, while the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) offers a message of grace and redemption. These teachings provide a framework for understanding and responding to systemic oppression with love and compassion.

V. The Power of Faith in the Face of Adversity: Historical Examples

Throughout Black history, countless individuals have drawn strength and resilience from their faith. From the spirituals sung by enslaved Africans to the leadership of figures like Martin Luther King Jr., faith has been a catalyst for social change and a source of hope in the face of adversity. Exploring the stories of these individuals and the role faith played in their struggles and triumphs illuminates the powerful connection between faith and the fight for justice and equality. This section could highlight specific historical examples and the scripture that provided them strength.


Book Outline: "Black History Month: A Journey of Faith and Resilience"

Introduction: The significance of faith within the Black community and the purpose of this book.
Chapter 1: The Exodus story and its resonance with the Black experience.
Chapter 2: Psalms of lament and their role in processing pain and finding hope.
Chapter 3: Prophetic passages that advocate for justice and equality.
Chapter 4: The life and teachings of Jesus and their implications for social justice.
Chapter 5: Historical examples of faith as a catalyst for social change.
Conclusion: The enduring power of faith and its continued relevance in the Black community today.


(Detailed explanation of each chapter would follow here, expanding on the points made in the main body of the blog post.)


FAQs:

1. What are some specific scriptures that resonate with the Black experience during slavery? Exodus, Psalms of Lament, and Isaiah's prophecies of liberation are particularly relevant.

2. How did faith influence the Civil Rights Movement? Faith provided moral grounding, inspiration, and a framework for non-violent resistance.

3. Are there any specific hymns or spirituals that reflect Black History? "Go Down Moses," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and "Wade in the Water" are prime examples.

4. How does faith contribute to the resilience of the Black community? Faith provides hope, community support, and a sense of purpose in the face of adversity.

5. Can you provide examples of modern-day Black leaders who draw strength from faith? Many prominent figures continue to cite faith as a source of guidance and inspiration.

6. How can I use scripture to help process the challenges of racism? Psalms of lament, along with passages emphasizing justice and compassion, offer solace and a path towards healing.

7. What role did Black churches play in the fight for civil rights? They served as crucial organizing centers and provided moral and spiritual support to activists.

8. How can faith inspire action towards racial justice today? Faith motivates individuals to fight for equality, work towards systemic change, and practice love and compassion.

9. Where can I find more resources on the intersection of faith and the Black experience? Numerous books, articles, and academic works explore this topic in depth.


Related Articles:

1. The Spirituals of Slavery: A Legacy of Faith and Resistance: Exploring the history and meaning of spirituals.
2. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Theology of Nonviolent Resistance: Analyzing King's faith-based approach to social change.
3. Black Liberation Theology: A Theological Perspective on Social Justice: Examining the theological framework of the Black Liberation Theology movement.
4. The Role of Black Churches in the Civil Rights Movement: Highlighting the significance of churches as organizing centers and sanctuaries.
5. Faith and Resilience in the Face of Systemic Racism: Addressing the challenges and sources of strength within the Black community.
6. Biblical Parallels to the Black Experience: Examining specific biblical narratives and their resonance with the Black experience.
7. The Power of Prayer in the Black Community: Discussing the significance of prayer in navigating hardships and sustaining hope.
8. Black Women and Faith: Stories of Strength and Perseverance: Exploring the unique experiences and contributions of Black women in their faith journeys.
9. Contemporary Black Christian Leaders and their Social Justice Activism: Profiling influential leaders and their impact on social change.


  black history month scripture: The Bible is Black History Theron D Williams, 2022-08-03 We live in an age when younger African-American Christians are asking tough questions that previous generations would dare not ask. This generation doesn't hesitate to question the validity of the Scriptures, the efficacy of the church, and even the historicity of Jesus. Young people are becoming increasingly curious about what role, if any, did people of African descent play in biblical history? Or, if the Bible is devoid of Black presence, and is merely a book by Europeans, about Europeans and for Europeans to the exclusion of other races and ethnicities? Dr. Theron D. Williams makes a significant contribution to this conversation by answering the difficult questions this generation fearlessly poses. Dr. Williams uses facts from the Bible, well-respected historians, scientists, and DNA evidence to prove that Black people comprised the biblical Israelite community. He also shares historical images from the ancient catacombs that vividly depict the true likeness of the biblical Israelites. This book does not change the biblical text, but it will change how you understand it.This Second Edition provides updated information and further elucidation of key concepts. Also, at the encouragement of readership, this edition expands some of the ideas and addresses concerns my readership felt pertinent to this topic.
  black history month scripture: Reflections by Rosa Parks Rosa Parks, Gregory J. Reed, 2018-01-09 On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She was not trying to start a movement. She was simply tired of the social injustice. Yet, her simple act of courage started a chain of events that forever shaped the landscape of American race relations. Now, decades after her quiet defiance inspired the modern civil rights movement, Mrs. Parks’s own words tell of her courageous life, her passion for freedom and equality, and her strong faith. Reflections by Rosa Parks celebrates the principles and convictions that guided her through a remarkable life. It is a printed record of her legacy—her lasting message to a world still struggling to live in harmony. Including historic and beautiful pictures, this collection of Rosa Parks’s reflections includes topics like dealing with fear, facing injustice, developing character and determination, faith in God, and her hope for the future. “I want to be remembered as a person who stood up to injustice,” writes Rosa Parks, “who wanted a better world for young people.” With Mrs. Parks’s words of wisdom, humility, and compassion, this book will inspire people of all races to carry on her great legacy.
  black history month scripture: God, Himself Tony Evans, 2020-09-01 How often do we stop to consider who the God is that we worship? When we draw near and learn more about this God, we become amazed at who He truly is. Join Tony Evans as he dives into the character of our awesome God—one attribute at a time. In God, Himself, we are invited, with unveiled faces, to behold the glory of the Lord—just as the Apostle Paul instructed the Corinthians to do. Dr. Evans offers insights about the character of God that will challenge you to pursue greater intimacy with Him and help you understand more fully what it means to be made in His image. For after all, as image-bearers knowing who He is defines who we are. You’ll learn about attributes like God’s wisdom and word, His sufficiency and sovereignty, and His goodness, grace, and glory that make Him the great God that He is. Dr. Evans also includes activities and challenges to help you know how to both process and respond to learning about God. Find your heart encouraged and your worship enriched as you learn about the beautiful nature of our God, the source of all goodness and life.
  black history month scripture: The Black History Bible Lisa Noel Babbage, 2020-02 Over the years, Black History Month has come to be a source of pride for African-Americans from coast to coast. Yet in many communities, the myths surrounding our modern history is being skewed by media propaganda, special interest groups, and those attempting to cast a shadow on the progress we have made in this nation. Find out how scripture and history collide in this exposé into the Democratic Party in America.
  black history month scripture: The Black Presence in the Bible Walter Arthur McCray, 1989 SEXUALLY SANCTIFIED DIVORCE . . . explores the anatomy of marital frac­ture that may result from a believer's sexual cleansing subsequent to getting married. Sex is very powerful, and a strong drive for sex is a foremost motivation for many believers to marry. Believers who formerly were sexually immoral or obsessed usually experience spiritual growth and sexual cleansing in marriage. They cease practicing sexually immoral attitudes, actions, and relations, and they no longer tolerate such thinking and behavior by their mate. The divine transformation may change and disrupt their marital relations, and the sexual dysfunction will stress the marital union. Thus, a believer's sexual sanctification may justifiably, though negatively, impact their mari­tal relationship and result in a breakup.In the perspective of SEXUALLY SANCTIFIED DIVORCE, Christian divorce may not indicate spiritual degeneration. Certain breakups signal a believer's spiritual growth in sexual temperament and conduct. Believers who face the disruptive marital consequences of living a clean sexual life may actually evince a positive response to Church teachings on sexual holiness.Chapters Feature: Christian Divorce, Sexual Passion and Marriage, Sexual Sanctification, Sanctified Divorce
  black history month scripture: The Heart of Racial Justice Brenda Salter McNeil, Rick Richardson, 2022-01-11 Racial and ethnic hostility is one of the most pervasive problems the church faces. What should our response be in a work torn apart by prejudice, hatred, and fear? In this book, Brenda Salter McNeil and Rick Richardson provide a model of racial reconciliation, social justice, and spiritual healing that creates both individual and communal transformation.
  black history month scripture: Black & Tan Douglas Wilson, 2005 If we want to understand contemporary American culture wars, we must first come to grips with the culture wars of the nineteenth century. Many current social evils can be explained by our nation's failure to remove slavery in a biblical way. But who is qualified to talk about such things? What is a biblical view of racism? And why do the Christian answers to such questions so infuriate the radical left and the radical right? This collection of essays lays out some of the answers from a view unafraid of historic biblical orthodoxy.
  black history month scripture: The Negro Bible - The Slave Bible , 2019-10-25 The Slave Bible was published in 1807. It was commissioned on behalf of the Society for the Conversion of Negro Slaves in England. The Bible was to be used by missionaries and slave owners to teach slaves about the Christian faith and to evangelize slaves. The Bible was used to teach some slaves to read, but the goal first and foremost was to tend to the spiritual needs of the slaves in the way the missionaries and slave owners saw fit.
  black history month scripture: The Faithful Preacher (Foreword by John Piper) Thabiti M. Anyabwile, 2007-03-02 The cliché is that those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. But Thabiti Anyabwile contends that it is not the mistakes we must study; it is the people who have overcome them. So he presents three of the most influential African-American pastors in American history who can teach us what faithful ministry entails. Lemuel Haynes (1753-1833) reminds pastors that eternity must shape our ministry. Daniel A. Payne (1811-1893) stresses the importance of character and preparation to faithful shepherding. And Francis J. Grimké (1850-1937) provides a vision for engaging the world with the gospel. While they are from the African-American tradition, they, like all true saints, belong to all Christians of every background and era. Distinctive for its use of rare and out-of-print messages, Anaybwile's work is valuable as a reference as well as a devotional resource.
  black history month scripture: I Am Black But Comely Samuel N. Greene, 2010-03-01 I Am Black But Comely investigates the contributions of Black people in Scripture and it is absolutely exciting. This book looks from Genesis to Revelation on the presence of black people in Scripture, God's black messengers in Scripture, puts to silence the false teachings on the supposed Curse of Ham, looks at racism, looks at the original color of man, the color of God, and the color that God's people will be for the ages to come. We are a new species now, old things are passed away and all things become new. The heart of this book is to give honor where honor is due in the great contributions of black people in God's great plan of redemption, expose any hidden racism in all of our hearts, and give us the correct vision to see each other as God sees us as we prepare ourselves for the ages to come and as we, being one people, eagerly wait to be changed into our glorified bodies!
  black history month scripture: She Speaks Michele Clark Jenkins, 2013 She Speaks helps African-American women find relevance, purpose, and identity in the Word of God. Each chapter offers a complete list of references to help the reader locate the stories of these inspirational women in the Bible with ease.
  black history month scripture: Plain Theology for Plain People Charles Octavius Boothe, 2017-09-20 Everyday Christians need practical and accessible theology. In this handbook first published in 1890, Charles Octavius Boothe simply and beautifully lays out the basics of theology for common people. Before the charge 'know thyself,' Boothe wrote, ought to come the far greater charge, 'know thy God.' He brought the heights of academic theology down to everyday language, and he helps us do the same today. Plain Theology for Plain People shows that evangelicalism needs the wisdom and experience of African American Christians. Walter R. Strickland II reintroduces this forgotten masterpiece for today. Lexham Classics are beautifully typeset new editions of classic works. Each book has been carefully transcribed from the original texts, ensuring an accurate representation of the writing as the author intended it to be read.
  black history month scripture: The Genesis of Liberation Emerson B. Powery, Rodney S. Sadler Jr., 2016-04-04 Considering that the Bible was used to justify and perpetuate African American enslavement, why would it be given such authority? In this fascinating volume, Powery and Sadler explore how the Bible became a source of liberation for enslaved African Americans by analyzing its function in pre-Civil War freedom narratives. They explain the various ways in which enslaved African Americans interpreted the Bible and used it as a source for hope, empowerment, and literacy. The authors show that through their own engagement with the biblical text, enslaved African Americans found a liberating word. The Genesis of Liberation recovers the early history of black biblical interpretation and will help to expand understandings of African American hermeneutics.
  black history month scripture: Reading While Black Esau McCaulley, 2020-09-01 Reading Scripture from the perspective of Black church tradition can help us connect with a rich faith history and address the urgent issues of our times. Demonstrating an ongoing conversation between the collective Black experience and the Bible, New Testament scholar Esau McCaulley shares a personal and scholarly testament to the power and hope of Black biblical interpretation.
  black history month scripture: Blacks in the Bible James H. Warden Jr., 2006-12 Abraham and his wife made their African slave a surrogate mother and she bore Abraham a half-black heir. Later, God wished to use Moses and his Ethiopian wife and half-Ethiopian sons to raise up a new race of Jews to replace the twelve tribes of Israel. Let's not forget that the Almighty did not object when Jacob passed the blessing of Abraham on to his half-African grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, in North Africa. In light of these facts it's amazing that early Americans wondered if blacks could be saved especially since it was big news to Jews that gentiles (Europeans) could be saved. Prior to the Apostles of Christ's debate about whether Europeans, called gentiles in Scripture, could be saved, Niger and Lucius were black Bible teachers at Antioch (where believers were first called Christians) and an Ethiopian eunuch had been saved and baptized. (Acts 13:1, 15:7) The first king, queen, prince, and princess in the Bible were black. It was an African princess who found Moses floating down the Nile in Africa. Later Esther a dark skinned Jew won a black beauty contest that stretched from India to Ethiopia. Blacks in the Bible Vol. I shows you truths stranger than fiction.
  black history month scripture: One Coin Found Emmy Kegler, 2019-04-02 The stories of Scripture are for everyone. No exceptions. Emmy Kegler has a complicated relationship with the Bible. As a queer woman who grew up in both conservative Evangelical and progressive Protestant churches, she knows too well how Scripture can be used to wound and exclude. And yet, the stories of Scripture continue to captivate and inspire her--both as a person of faith and as a pastor to a congregation. So she set out to fall in love with the Bible, wrestling with the stories inside, where she met a God who continues to seek us out--appearing again and again as a voice, a presence, and a promise. Whenever we are pushed to the edges, our voices silenced, or our stories dismissed, God goes out after us--seeking us until we are found again. And God is seeking out those whose voices we too quickly silence and dismiss, too. Because God's story is a story of welcome and acceptance for everyone--no exceptions. Kegler shows us that even when we feel like lost and dusty coins--rusted from others' indifference, misspent and misused--God picks up a broom and sweeps every corner of creation to find us.
  black history month scripture: Our Voices Amanda Johnson, 2009-10-01 What are the key issues facing black women in America today? Does God's Word offer guidance in how to navigate the realities and difficulties posed by those issues? After surveying black women across America to determine which topics are heaviest on their hearts, the authors of Our Voices present a very personal and practical overview. Ten women share with the reader their journeys and what they have learned from God's Word about His perspective on key issues facing them as black women. This book provides a powerful challenge to the reader to walk in obedience to God's Word, amid a culture that is bent on rebellion and that beckons us to do likewise.
  black history month scripture: The Jefferson Bible Thomas Jefferson, 2012-03-02 Jefferson regarded Jesus as a moral guide rather than a divinity. In his unique interpretation of the Bible, he highlights Christ's ethical teachings, discarding the scriptures' supernatural elements, to reflect the deist view of religion.
  black history month scripture: Revelation , 1999-01-01 The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the Beast will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.
  black history month scripture: African American History & Devotions Teresa L. Fry Brown, 2018-01-02 Celebrating heritage, deepening faith, and building community through interactive devotions.
  black history month scripture: The Drama of Scripture Craig G. Bartholomew, Michael W. Goheen, 2014-07-08 This bestselling textbook surveys the grand narrative of the Bible, demonstrating how the biblical story forms the foundation of a Christian worldview. The second edition has been thoroughly revised. Additional material is available online through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources, offering course help for professors and study aids for students. Resources include discussion questions, a Bible reading schedule, an adult Bible class schedule, and a course syllabus.
  black history month scripture: She Reads Truth Raechel Myers, Amanda Bible Williams, 2016-10-04 Born out of the experiences of hundreds of thousands of women who Raechel and Amanda have walked alongside as they walk with the Lord, She Reads Truth is the message that will help you understand the place of God's Word in your life.
  black history month scripture: Carved in Ebony Jasmine L. Holmes, 2022-08-02 A look at the inspirational lives of ten Black women of faith Do the names Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, or Charlotte Forten Grimké ring any bells? Have you ever heard of Sarah Mapps Douglass, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, or Maria Fearing? What about Sara Griffith Stanley, Amanda Berry Smith, Lucy Craft Laney, and Maria Stewart? While these names may not be familiar to you, these women lived faithful and influential lives in a world that was filled with injustice. They worked to change laws, built schools, spoke to thousands, and shared the Gospel all around the world. And while history books may have forgotten them, their stories can teach us so much about how we can live today. Praise for Carved in Ebony What a gift this book . . . will be to you! Jasmine has a way of teaching you a history lesson you never knew you needed, while pointing you to a God who deeply cares for his children.--JAMIE IVEY, bestselling author and host of The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast
  black history month scripture: Stewardship in African-american Churches Melvin Amerson, 2015-09 When the church embraces the responsibility of living as faith managers of God's vast resources [as Psalm 24:1 teaches], the community of faith will prosper. So begins this practical and theological study of stewardship, both in the context of the African-American church tradition and beyond. After all, a systematic approach to stewardship undergirds the ministry and mission of the church universal. A stewardship consultant, Amerson draws upon his experience to help churches develop a theology of generosity; define stewardship leadership roles; celebrate the offering each week; and establish endowment giving. While recognizing still-relevant traditions, he also points to newer tactics and strategies convenient to both members and congregations--including electronic giving, contribution statements, and year-end giving. A highlight of the book is Amerson's explanation of the development of a narrative budget/narrative spending plan. He also writes about stewardship education at multiple levels. This book is a solid resource for financial stewardship education.
  black history month scripture: Why Trust the Bible? Greg Gilbert, 2015-10-14 The Bible stands at the heart of the Christian faith. But this leads to an inescapable question: why should we trust the Bible? Written to help non-Christians, longtime Christians, and everyone in between better understand why God’s Word is reliable, this short book explores the historical and theological arguments that have helped lead millions of believers through the centuries to trust the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Written by pastor Greg Gilbert, author of the popular books What Is the Gospel? and Who Is Jesus?, this volume will help Christians articulate why they trust the Bible when it comes to who God is, who we are, and how we’re supposed to live.
  black history month scripture: Bible Black Belts Mark Burrows, 2011-06 This resource will assist in teaching children about the books of the Bible for lifelong Bible competence and love of Scripture.
  black history month scripture: Sacred Pathways Gary Thomas, 2020-09-08 Sacred Pathways reveals nine distinct spiritual temperaments--and their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies--to help you improve your spiritual life and deepen your personal walk with God. It's time to strip away the frustration of a one-size-fits-all spirituality and discover a path of worship that frees you to be you. Experienced spiritual directors, pastors, and church leaders recognize that all of us engage with God differently, and it's about time we do too. In this updated and expanded edition of Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas details nine spiritual temperaments and--like the Enneagram and other tools do with personality--encourages you to investigate the ways you most naturally express yourself in your relationship with God. He encourages you to dig into the traits, strengths, and pitfalls in your devotional approach so you can eliminate the barriers that keep you locked into rigid methods of worship and praise. Plus, as you begin to identify and understand your own temperament, you'll soon learn about the temperaments that aren't necessarily you but that may help you understand the spiritual tendencies of friends, family, and others around you. Whatever temperament or blend of temperaments best describes you, rest assured it's not by accident. It's by the design of a Creator who knew what he was doing when he made you according to his own unique intentions. If your spiritual walk is not what you'd like it to be, you can change that, starting here. Sacred Pathways will show you the route you were made to travel, marked by growth and filled with the riches of a close walk with God. A Sacred Pathways video Bible study is also available for group or individual use, sold separately.
  black history month scripture: A History of the Bible John Barton, 2019-06-04 A literary history of our most influential book of all time, by an Oxford scholar and Anglican priest In our culture, the Bible is monolithic: It is a collection of books that has been unchanged and unchallenged since the earliest days of the Christian church. The idea of the Bible as Holy Scripture, a non-negotiable authority straight from God, has prevailed in Western society for some time. And while it provides a firm foundation for centuries of Christian teaching, it denies the depth, variety, and richness of this fascinating text. In A History of the Bible, John Barton argues that the Bible is not a prescription to a complete, fixed religious system, but rather a product of a long and intriguing process, which has inspired Judaism and Christianity, but still does not describe the whole of either religion. Barton shows how the Bible is indeed an important source of religious insight for Jews and Christians alike, yet argues that it must be read in its historical context--from its beginnings in myth and folklore to its many interpretations throughout the centuries. It is a book full of narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, poems, and letters, each with their own character and origin stories. Barton explains how and by whom these disparate pieces were written, how they were canonized (and which ones weren't), and how they were assembled, disseminated, and interpreted around the world--and, importantly, to what effect. Ultimately, A History of the Bible argues that a thorough understanding of the history and context of its writing encourages religious communities to move away from the Bible's literal wording--which is impossible to determine--and focus instead on the broader meanings of scripture.
  black history month scripture: Heroes in Black History Dave Jackson, Neta Jackson, 2008-02-01 Drawn from the lives of key Christians from the past and present, Heroes in Black History is an inspiring collection of forty-two exciting and educational readings that highlight African-American Christians through a short biography and three true stories for each hero. Whether read together at family devotions or alone, Heroes in Black History is an ideal way to acquaint children ages six to twelve with historically important Christians while imparting valuable lessons. Featured heroes include Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, William Seymour, Thomas A. Dorsey, Mary McLeod Bethune, Martin Luther King Jr., and many more. Includes brand-new material as well as content from previous Hero Tales editions.
  black history month scripture: Meditations of the Heart Howard Thurman, 2023-01-31 “As poet, prophet, and priest, Thurman builds upon a powerful legacy of ancestral hope: belief in a liberating God who can always be found ‘in and among the struggling.’” —Yolanda Pierce A universal beacon of hope and endurance for people of all faiths seeking to meet the challenges, uncertainties, and joys of life Howard Thurman’s Meditations of the Heart is a beautiful collection of over 150 prayers, poems, and meditations on prayer, community, and the joys and rituals of life by one of our greatest spiritual leaders. Thurman, a spiritualist and mystic, was renowned for the quiet beauty of his reflections on humanity and our relationship with God. In a new foreword, Yolanda Pierce, dean of Howard University’s School of Divinity, calls attention to the justice-centered theological framework of Thurman’s words. Pierce notes how Thurman brings to light an image of God who can always be found “in and among the struggling,” both in times of weariness and in strength. First written for and shared with his congregation of the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco, California, these meditations sustain, elevate, and inspire. They are a universal beacon of hope and endurance for people of all faiths seeking to meet the challenges, uncertainties, and joys of everyday life with a renewed and liberating faith.
  black history month scripture: Faith and Liberty Bible (Gnt) American Bible Society, 2021-05-03 The Faith and Liberty Bible offers 813 articles and quotations from people in American history who have drawn on the Bible in their work and writings. Each piece is annotated and reviewed by a team of scholars of American history, law, and religion and placed near a biblical passage it quotes. As a reference (including an index of Bible citations and allusions) it will help you discover new depths to history as you uncover the significant influence of the Bible on the American experience. But the Faith and Liberty Bible also invites you into your own encounter with the Bible's message in the company of the parents, leaders, writers, educators, and reformers whose lives and work it has touched. The articles are organized by six values--faith, liberty, justice, unity, hope, and love--and ten topical tracks from Liberty and Law to Education and Virtue to Slavery and Abolition. Discover how, in the American experience ... faith guides liberty toward justice. This edition features the accessible and reliable Good News Translation(R) of the Bible
  black history month scripture: Truth for Life Alistair Begg, 2021-11-01 A year of gospel-saturated daily devotions from renowned Bible teacher Alistair Begg. Start with the gospel each and every day with this one-year devotional by renowned Bible teacher Alistair Begg. We all need to be reminded of the truth that anchors our life and excites and equips us to live for Christ. Reflecting on a short passage each day, Alistair spans the Scriptures to show us the greatness and grace of God, and to thrill our hearts to live as His children. His clear, faithful exposition and thoughtful application mean that this resource will both engage your mind and stir your heart. Each day includes prompts to apply what you’ve read, a related Bible text to enjoy, and a plan for reading through the whole of the Scriptures in a year. The hardback cover and ribbon marker make this a wonderful gift.
  black history month scripture: The Bible Cause John Fea, 2016-03-03 Endorsed in its time by Francis Scott Key, John Jay, and Theodore Roosevelt, the American Bible Society (ABS) is a seminal institution for American Protestants. The group was founded in 1816 with the goal of distributing free copies of the Bible in local languages throughout the world. Today, the ABS is a Christian ministry based in Philadelphia with a $300 million endowment and a mission to engage 100 million Americans with the Bible by 2025. In The Bible Cause, noted historian of American religion John Fea demonstrates how the ABS's primary mission - to place the Bible in the hands of as many people as possible - has caused the history of the organization to intersect at nearly every point with the history of the United States. For the last two hundred years, the ABS has steadily increased its influence both at home and abroad, working with all Christian denominations in the US and internationally, aligning itself whenever possible with the gatekeepers of American religious culture. Over the years ABS Bibles could be found in hotel rooms, bookstores, and airports; on steam boats, college and university campuses; the Internet; and even behind the Iron Curtain. Its agents, Bibles in hand, could be found on the front lines of every American military conflict from the Mexican-American War to the Iraq War. However and wherever the United States developed, the ABS was there. Throughout the last two centuries ABS has never wavered in its mission, and its commitment to be the guardian of a Christian civilization has been proven many times over.
  black history month scripture: A Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church Year B Wilda C. Gafney, 2023-07-18 The next installment in the critically acclaimed lectionary series that focuses on women's stories. In this second volume of the three-volume Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, widely praised womanist bible scholar and priest Wil Gafney selects scripture readings that emphasize women's stories. Focusing especially on the Gospel of Mark, Year B of A Women's Lectionary features Gafney's fresh, inclusive, and thought-provoking translations of every reading, alongside commentary on each reading. Designed for liturgical use or scriptural study, this resource offers a new perspective on the Bible and the liturgical year. “Gafney's paradigm-shifting scholarship will influence biblical preaching and teaching for generations to come. —National Catholic Reporter
  black history month scripture: The Wonder of Advent Devotional Chris Tiegreen, 2017-10-01 Rediscover the heart of the Advent season As the year comes to a close and the stress and busyness of the consumer Christmas holiday grows, it can be easy to lose sight of what the season really calls us to: worship. In today’s world, is it even possible to slow down, to ponder, to wonder in the coming birth of Christ? This Advent, recapture the mystery and beauty of the season with The Wonder of Advent Devotional. In this insightful and thought-provoking book, beloved devotional author Chris Tiegreen brings you into a deeper experience of this integral time in the church calendar. After completing a week of short readings to prepare your heart for the Advent season, you’ll journey through December with daily Scripture readings, prompts for reflection, and guided prayer to help you savor this remarkable divine story. With each day, The Wonder of Advent Devotional will reconnect you with what happened in Bethlehem long ago—and experience it anew in your life right now.
  black history month scripture: Holy Bible (NIV) Various Authors,, 2008-09-02 The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.
  black history month scripture: New Morning Mercies Paul David Tripp, 2014-10-31 365 Gospel-Centered Devotions for the Whole Year Mornings can be tough. Sometimes, a hearty breakfast and strong cup of coffee just aren't enough. Offering more than a rush of caffeine, best-selling author Paul David Tripp wants to energize you with the most potent encouragement imaginable: the gospel. Forget behavior modification or feel-good aphorisms. Tripp knows that what we really need is an encounter with the living God. Then we'll be prepared to trust in God's goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory each and every day.
  black history month scripture: Prey Tell Tiffany Bluhm, 2021-03-16 Tiffany Bluhm wishes this wasn't her story to tell. Yet like many women today who are taking action against sexual harassment and sexual assault, it is. Bluhm explores the complex dynamics of power and abuse in systems we all find ourselves in. With honesty and strength, she tells stories of how women have overcome silence to expose the truth about their ministry and professional leaders--and the backlash they so often face. In so doing, she empowers others to speak up against abuses of power. Addressing men and women in all work settings--within the church and beyond--popular author and podcast host Tiffany Bluhm sets out to understand the cultural and spiritual narratives that silence women and to illuminate the devastating emotional, financial, and social impact of silence in the face of injustice. As readers journey with Bluhm, they will be moved to find their own way, their own voice, and their own conviction for standing with women. They'll emerge more ready than ever to advocate for justice, healing, and resurrection.
  black history month scripture: How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind Thomas C. Oden, 2010-07-23 Thomas C. Oden surveys the decisive role of African Christians and theologians in shaping the doctrines and practices of the church of the first five centuries, and makes an impassioned plea for the rediscovery of that heritage. Christians throughout the world will benefit from this reclaiming of an important heritage.
  black history month scripture: Good News Barb Hilliard, Sandy Trimble, 2001 Designed for K-5 classrooms, these creative bulletin board ideas link Bible themes to classwork. The authors have created 110 different concepts, with complete instructions and illustrations. Following the school year, the bulletin boards can be used as springboards to promote discussion and as reminders of the central message in a particular lesson. The authors have also outlined ideas for classroom activities, suggestions for appropriate books, field trip ideas, party plans, cooperative learning activities, and Web sites. Faith lessons are generously sprinkled throughout. A section called Bible Heroes from A to Z provides brief retellings of heroic deeds that bring Bible heroes to life. Even students who know their Bible well will enjoy these 5-minute short stories. The Bible has been a teaching tool since it was written, and Good News: Thematic Bulletin Boards for Christian Classrooms makes it easy.