Prophesy Deliverance! [Paperback]

Cornel West (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002

In this, his premiere work, Cornel West provides readers with a new understanding of the African American experience based largely on his own political and cultural perspectives borne out of his own life's experiences. He challenges African Americans to consider the incorporation of Marxism into their theological perspectives, thereby adopting the mindset that it is class more so than race that renders one powerless in America. Armed with a new introduction by the author, this Twentieth Anniversary Edition of Prophesy Deliverance! is a must have.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Cornel West is Class of 1943 University Professor in the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. He is considered one of America's most provocative public individuals and has been a champion for racial justice since childhood. His writing, speaking, and teaching weave together the traditions of the black Baptist church, progressive politics, and jazz. The New York Times has praised his "ferocious moral vision."

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; Anv edition (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664223435
• ISBN-13: 978-0664223434
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #158,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Revolutionary Christianity, April 21, 2005

By 

Tedd Steele (Naperville, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Prophesy Deliverance! (Paperback)

West's books is an eye-opening account of racism since modernity and a proposed response. He begins with an account of modernity and proceeds to an insightful genealogy of racism. Racism, he claims, comes from a combination of an emphasis on science, Cartesian philosophy, and Greek thought and aesthetics. West then turns attention to four common African American responses to the problem, highlighting humanism as the preferable option. Finally, West spends 2 chapters arguing for a combination of Christian and Marxist perspectives for a revolutionary Christianity.

There is no doubt that West is brilliant, articulate, and passionate. His diagnosis of the problems of racism and modernity are indespensible. The reason the book only receives 4 stars is that I am not sure Marxism is the correct choice for Christians. Without a doubt, Marxist thought provides insights Christians need. However, it seems to me that another political system will bring about more problems. I suggest that the church itself is political, so Christians need not seek out another source of more effective political thought. The church, when it functions as it ought, is all that is needed to reform society.

4 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intellectually and Spiritually Inspiring, May 21, 2003

By 

Eclectic Reader (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prophesy Deliverance! (Paperback)

I read this book for the first time as a young graduate student! It was one of the most exciting books I had read at the time. It's fine combination of intellectual insight and grounding in the best of the prophetic Christian tradition did more to help shape my religious imagination than many other books I have read before or since.