Watch This!: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Black Televangelism (Religion, Race, and Ethnicity) (Kindle Edition)

by Jonathan L. Walton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is the best work we have on the complex dynamics of the Black megachurch phenomenon. Walton is a brilliant cultural critic and courageous prophetic voice!"
- Cornel West, Princeton University

"An important examination of the Black Electronic Church. Jonathan Walton brings new insights into the major TV evangelists in the African American community."
- James H. Cone, Union Theological Seminary

"One of the first books to thoughtfully analyze how African American television ministries are re-shaping the contours of black religious experiences. With critical insight into the theological, social, and political logics of three mega-ministries, WaltonÂ’s book provides just the stimulus we need for a long overdue conversation!"
- Marla Frederick, Harvard University

Product Description

Through their constant television broadcasts, mass video distributions, and printed publications, African American religious broadcasters have a seemingly ubiquitous presence in popular culture. They are on par with popular entertainers and athletes in the African American community as cultural icons even as they are criticized by others for taking advantage of the devout in order to subsidize their lavish lifestyles.

For these reasons questions abound. Do televangelists proclaim the message of the gospel or a message of greed? Do they represent the "authentic" voice of the black church or the Christian Right in blackface? Does the phenomenon reflect orthodox "Christianity" or ethnocentric "Americaninity" wrapped in religious language?

Watch This! seeks to move beyond such polarizing debates by critically delving into the dominant messages and aesthetic styles of African American televangelists and evaluating their ethical implications.

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 560 KB
• Print Length: 283 pages
• Publisher: NYU Press short (February 1, 2009)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0029VCUVA
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,761 in Kindle Store (See Bestsellers in Kindle Store)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars For both the academic and the interested, April 19, 2009

By	Jorden Sharick - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Watch This!: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Black Televangelism (Religion, Race, and Ethnicity) (Paperback)

Whether you are familiar with the topic or not, Watch This! works first to orient the reader within the historical nexus of media and religion, and offer an evaluative account of the intricacies that characterize the emergence of African American religious broadcasting. Atop this foundation Walton skillfully constructs a balanced, inventive, and artistic ethical appraisal of the movement which acts to challenge congregant and critic alike.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've read in the study of religion, April 13, 2009

By	Vincent D. Cervantes - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Watch This!: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Black Televangelism (Religion, Race, and Ethnicity) (Paperback)

An absolutely amazing theological approach to study the religion and Black televangelism. Walton structures his book in a brilliant fashion. He begins with introducing historiographical arguments about the roots of African American religious broadcasting; provide a theological and phenomenological account of "black religious broadcasting's constitutive traditions;" and to offer an ideological critique of African American religious broadcasting (pp. 9-14).

As the reader begins to work through the chapters, they are enveloped in the discussions and discourses going on in the study of Black televangelism.

Walton's arguments and details are clear, concise, and critical. This book represents the best of scholarly work being done in the field of Religious Studies.

I highly recommend that anyone with an interested in Evangelical religion, culture, and media to pick up a copy and enjoy!