Customer Reviews

Reverdy C. Ransom

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The research behind this biography is solid. The desire to study a black social gospel preacher is desirable, since they have been overlooked in other histories of that movement. Ransom certainly is worthy of study, since he was the most prominent black social gospel advocate. The 2-star rating is due largely in part to the lack of editing - numerous spelling and grammatical errors exist in this book, something that drove me nuts. It shows little respect for one's readers when such mistakes are allowed to exist, and they cause a person to lose interest in the material. Also, the book is far too brief to give a good view of Ransom's life and views. For an understanding of his opinions on various matters, tracking down a copy of his 1926 "The Spirit of Freedom and Justice" is suggested. This is a wonderful compilation of various speeches and poems by Rev. Ransom, offering a view into his beliefs on numerous issues. I also see on Amazon.com where another book about Ransom's writings is coming out soon - hopefully that will help people learn more about this major figure in the history of black religion in America (and in the social gospel in general).