Reviving the Spirit: A Generation of African Americans Goes Home to Church [Paperback]

Beverly Hall Lawrence (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 1997

Drawing on her own experiences and those of the parishioners of Baltimore's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the author traces and celebrates the current renaissance of religious feeling among middle-class blacks.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Newspaper editor Lawrence traces her own journey home to church through the lens of the broader movement of African Americans back to the church. Observing the rapid growth of her own church in Baltimore, Lawrence collects here the testimonies of her fellow church members about their reasons for returning. These stories show clearly that the African American church is the primary agent for social change and community education in the lives of the African American community. Thus, the revival of the spirit in this community is a return home to the institution that fosters personal and social renewal. Lawrence's memoir-cum-social analysis is a lyrically written Habits of the Heart (LJ 3/1/85) for the African American community. An important addition to all collections.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

The historical role of the church during slavery and the civil rights movement has always kept this institution at the center of the African American community, even when attendance has been sparse. The current resurgence of African Americans' interest and participation in the nation's 65,000 black churches is indeed a trend worth noting. The social and political changes that affect middle-class blacks have refocused the church as a power base and an outpost. Lawrence interviews members of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, one of the oldest and largest churches in the country, and discovers that there are several reasons for their return to the church: making a pro-black statement, reviving the church as an instrument for change, developing an institution still controlled by blacks, and seeking solace from a hostile world. Lawrence reveals much about the cultural and spiritual lives of middle-class blacks today by translating her personal experiences and conversations into a tell-all about her generation. Lillian Lewis --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Grove Press; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (January 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802134998
• ISBN-13: 978-0802134998
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,996,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Observations!, May 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Reviving the Spirit: A Generation of African Americans Goes Home to Church (Paperback)

Beverly Hall Lawrence gives a wonderful and truthful account of young adults returning to our roots. This book can serve as an aid to understanding the obstacles that confront churches in their recruitment efforts of young men and women under the age of 40.