African American Atheists and Political Liberation: A Study of the Sociocultural Dynamics of Faith (History of African-American Religions) [Hardcover]

Prof. Michael Lackey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 11, 2007 | Series: History of African-American Religions

This study of atheist African American writers poses a substantive challenge to those who see atheism in despairing and nihilistic terms. Lackey argues that while most white atheists mourn the loss of faith, many black atheists--believing the “God-concept” spawns racism and oppression--consider the death of God a cause for personal and political hope. 

Focusing on a little-discussed aspect of African American literature, this full-length analysis of African American atheists’ treatment of God fills a huge gap in studies that consistently ignore their contributions. Examining how a belief in God and His “chosen people” necessitates a politics of superiority and inferiority, Lackey implicitly considers the degree to which religious faith is responsible for justifying oppression, even acts of physical and psychological violence.

In their secular vision of social and political justice, black atheists argue that only when the culture adopts and internalizes a truly atheist politics--one based on pluralism, tolerance, and freedom--will radical democracy be achieved. Of primary interest to scholars of African American studies, this volume also will appeal to religious scholars, philosophers, anthropologists, freethinkers, and religious and secular humanists.

 

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

“A tremendous contribution to black studies and atheist philosophy.”--Norm R. Allen, Jr., editor of African-American Humanism: An Anthology and The Black Humanist Experience

 

“Persuasively isolates and describes a philosophical tradition of ‘black liberation atheism’ that emerges, gaining coherence and momentum, in the twentieth century. Lackey’s description and analysis of black liberationist atheism will startle scholars into reconsidering the religious politics of familiar authors and intellectual figures like Richard Wright, Nella Larsen, and Langston Hughes.”--Dana D. Nelson, Vanderbilt University

 

This study of atheist African American writers poses a substantive challenge to those who see atheism in despairing and nihilistic terms. Lackey argues that while most white atheists mourn the loss of faith, many black atheists--believing the “God-concept” spawns racism and oppression--consider the death of God a cause for personal and political hope. 

Focusing on a little-discussed aspect of African American literature, this full-length analysis of African American atheists’ treatment of God fills a huge gap in studies that consistently ignore their contributions. Examining how a belief in God and His “chosen people” necessitates a politics of superiority and inferiority, Lackey implicitly considers the degree to which religious faith is responsible for justifying oppression, even acts of physical and psychological violence.

In their secular vision of social and political justice, black atheists argue that only when the culture adopts and internalizes a truly atheist politics--one based on pluralism, tolerance, and freedom--will radical democracy be achieved. Of primary interest to scholars of African American studies, this volume also will appeal to religious scholars, philosophers, anthropologists, freethinkers, and religious and secular humanists.

 

About the Author

A recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, Michael Lackey is a visiting associate professor at Wellesley College, where he teaches courses on 20th-century British, American, and African American literature.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Florida; 1st edition (February 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813030358
• ISBN-13: 978-0813030357
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,747,667 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something really special, June 15, 2008

By 

Randal D. Locke "History Junkie" (Northern California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: African American Atheists and Political Liberation: A Study of the Sociocultural Dynamics of Faith (History of African-American Religions) (Hardcover)

Michael Lackeys little book (150 pages) is one of the most fascinating and wonderful books I have read on atheism and the God concept, with the special feature that it is written from the viewpoint and minds of African Americans. I learned more and was moved by this little known (and still expensive) book than by any of the recent popular atheist tracts written by Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, et al. I also found the book impacted me profoundly and has inspired me to read further into literature I had barely been aware of before.

Mr. Lackey's book is an astute and scholarly rigorous analysis of black atheist writers and their works, including; Frantz Fanon, J. Saunders Redding, Richard Wright, Nella Larsen, and Langston Hughes. By page 30, I began to feel that this book has a far broader scope and audience than the title implies. This is a book for everyone, written by and about people who had every reason and motivation to consider deeply and honestly the true effects of religion on black Americans and ultimately all of us.

I confess to having been one of the multitudes of secular people who have wondered how African Americans could so enthusiastically embrace their oppressors myth-based and irrational religions. I have suspected for many decades that African Americans continuing disenfranchisement is directly related to their addiction to the "white mans" religions. This book uses the brilliant and insightful works of numerous black authors who loved life enough to REALLY think about it and write it down. Each has a fascinating story. Most came to the same conclusion. What Mr. Lackey and his subjects did for me was prove what I (and others) have suspected is true. The African American is not free because they are still slaves to Christianity and the God Concept.

The timing of my reading of this book has become sad for me when I consider the current presidential campaign and the strong candidacy of the first partially African American in history. I have followed the controversies surrounding Barack Obama's religious affiliations and convictions with interest. I was, at first, delighted at his candidacy and his success. For me it meant that we, as a nation and a culture, had finally made the quantum shift where such a thing was even possible. (Let alone a female candidate as well.) After reading Michael Lackeys brilliant little book, I now find myself following the campaign with certain trepidation and concern.

I don't know if Michael Lackey set out to accomplish what he did with me. I don't imagine Barack Obama was even a thought in his head while Mr. Lackey researched, wrote, and published his book. But as for me, Michael Lackey and his subjects convinced me beyond doubt that any candidate and I truly mean ANY candidate, who has been and remains inculcated and subservient to religion, can not, and will not bring true freedom and equality to anyone, and I mean ANYONE... Black, Brown, Beige or Pink! I fear the last thing any of us, (particularly African Americans) will get from Barack Obama is "real change". It saddens me because I think we are all running out of time.

The best thing that could happen for America and the World is for famous and influential black Americans to read this book, and to think about this book, and to ACT on this book, and to do it NOW. They could start the New American Renaissance for all of us.

I am neither famous nor black. I am not influential. But I have no doubt this review will be seen by very few people in the grand scheme of things. I have no doubt that Jessie, Al, and Louis will be upset if they ever get wind of Michael Lackeys little book. I have no doubt that if this little book and its author were to become widely known, Mr. Lackey would be attacked by many powerful people and organizations. I have no doubt that the vast majority of you reading this won't agree with me or ultimately with Michael Lackey. And it is because of those lost doubts that I believe Michael Lackey is really talking about "real change". Really real change. Not the same old religion. Not the same old identification of the inferior. Definitely NOT what I will hear on TV tonight.

Near the end of the book, (page 145), Mr. Lackey quotes J. Saunders Redding; "Race is a myth: it is artificial" He then quotes James Baldwin; "Color is not a human or personal reality; it is a political reality". By the time I read those words I had been so deeply moved by this work, that I am convinced this book and its author are something very, very special. I ordered one each for Grandpa and my daughter to keep and another new first edition for my "special" library. If it ever comes out in paperback I will order dozens and give them to my friends and family on holidays and birthdays.

I hope Michael Lackey publishes another book soon. It think it could do us all good.