Customer Reviews

A Sorrowful Joy (The Harold M. Wit Lectures)

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The short version:
Mississippi African-American Catholic (and all the suffering that would entail) turns liberal revolutionary (and all the disillusionment that would entail) turns Orthodox seeker (That means satisfied fulfilled servant of the Lord). got this as a present 12-25-02, sat down and read it in it's entirety on 12-28-02. Recommend it highly for us 'children of the 60s' and spiritual seekers, touches the reader on so many different levels it is amazing. A short, quick, engaging read that packs a mighty wallop. For a WASP from the South coming to terms with many of the issues Raboteau went through, this was a marvelous book. Thanks! Raboteau's other works are superb as well.

Albert J. Raboteau is the foremost writer on the history of African American Christianity. In "A Sorrowful Joy" he writes his own history as an African American Christian. First delivered as two lectures in the Harold M. Wit Lectures at Harvard University Divinity School, Raboteau communicates his personal spiritual autobiography with power and poetry.

A phrase from the foreword by Kimberly Patton brilliantly summarizes Raboteau's life story: "None of us is only the sum of our wounds." Raboteau shares forthrightly about several wounding experiences in his life, both those he endured and those he inflicted. Providing hope, he also humbly recounts how God brought healing and forgiveness to these broken relationships.

Throughout the narrative of his journey of suffering, seeking, and spirituality, Raboteau beautifully weaves the twin narratives of African American slave religion and Orthodox Christianity. He details his surprised at the slowly evolving realization that they both emphasize the theology of the Cross. That is, African American Christianity and Orthodox Christianity both face the reality that suffering can't be avoided, while also believing the higher reality that suffering can be converted. In this one summation, Raboteau accurately captures the essence of two grand religious traditions. In one brief book, he poignantly captures the essence of an authentic spiritual journey.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," and "Spiritual Friends."