Title: Black Divinity: A Ghetto Theology for the Black Community Shahidi Collection VOL 1 (Remastered)
Author: Shahidi Islam
Publisher: Divine Black People Ltd.
ISBN: 978-1739289737
Pages: 376
Genre: Colonialism & Post-Colonialism
Reviewer: Christina Avina
Pacific Book Review
While politics and social views constantly change, and debates arise concerning this topic, it is hard to argue with history and scientific fact that other than the indigenous people of the United States, the African American and Black communities of the US have suffered greatly in the nation’s history. While some may think those periods of history are long behind the nation which exists today, it is hard not to see the continuous prejudice and violence that arises for this community on a day to day basis, and the need to speak about it has never been higher.
One way authors and spiritual individuals are attempting to do this is by re-examining religious texts and documents and looking at them through an African American/Black lens, allowing them to explore what it would mean to accept those of the Black community as divine individuals. That is the concept behind author Shahidi Islam’s Black Divinity: A Ghetto Theology for the Black Community Shahidi Collection VOL 1 (Remastered).The book, a recent remastered edition of the author’s original work, explores the idea of Black theology, and what would it mean to use the past to build a better future. Shedding the idea of divinity in outside powers and instead finding the divine within everyday black man, woman and child, the author showcases the racial difficulties faced today that mirror the past and seeks a path towards love, peace and enlightenment.
A powerfully written and heartfelt exploration of some heavy subject matter, the author never once shies away from the hard questions and delves into each discussion with passion and reverence. The way the author is able to weave teachings and lessons from Christianity, Islam, and so much more in a way that feels both natural and harmonious was refreshing to read on the page, and the author’s writing style felt very educational and almost like an informal lesson, like readers were treated to a special guest lecturer and the professor was giving a speech that was both reverent and blazing with zeal.
For readers who enjoy nonfiction books, especially those that are close studies on social philosophy, African American history and studies, and the impact of colonialism on a post-colonialism world, this book will truly speak to them. The balance found between history, theology, and cultural exploration was astonishing, bringing both the teachings of the Apostle Paul into a story alongside the Prophet Muhammad in the author’s lessons with ease and relevance. The examination on how beliefs and viewpoints dating back to the ancient Crusades have impacted on Christianity has viewed Muhammad and Islam was so fascinating, and the almost evolution of religion and theology overall the author’s work takes on in this book will inspire and encourage readers to delve deeper and return to this book time and time again.
