The Black Hand of God
by R.S. Basi
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Pub Date 9 Jan 2011 | Archive Date 13 Jan 2020
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Description
Did American slaves identify with the religion of their masters?
As a man floats down the Kongo river in the 18th century, his confused thoughts unfold to tell a story of greed, deception, and murder. A skull, some bones, and his recollections reveal the truth about one of Africa's greatest heroines and how she shook the foundations of Catholicism in Africa. Since so many slaves came to America from this region, their experiences, oral history, and beliefs directed their attitudes in the New World.
It is against this background, and the ensuing complex weave of politics, greed, coincidence, misfortune, and human misery that the story of Kimpa Vita must be told. Her sacrifices changed the face of African religion and simultaneously helped shape the destiny of American culture, religion, and the nation's collective persona.
It is a story with a specific time but with a timeless context. The message Kimpa Vita brought invigorated a Kingdom, even as it terrified those in power, making people realize that the faith of early African-Americans didn't depend on the Church or a monarch. Kimpa Vita was a true African heroine whose life directly impacted American culture.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9780984147403 |
| PRICE | US$15.95 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Lee S, Bookseller
THE BLACK HAND OF GOD was an overwhelming, awe-inspiring account of the establishment of Christianity in the Kongo. This is one enriching account to be read and absorbed, which will leave you wanting to know more. I highly recommend this one.
Shari H, Reviewer
Interesting story and life told by Basi's Father. Smart, historical and not the average African autobiography. This book left me searching for more on this author.
Bejaka C, Reviewer
This nonfiction historical book has some radical themes, which some might consider to be heresy. Dona Beatriz or Kimpa Vita, is a Kongolese noble woman (from the Kongo region in Africa) who was raised under Christianity/ Catholicism. During her life, she challenged the church and its ideas. She founded a new movement called, Antonianism, which still supported Catholicism but set the Kongo as the true Holy Land. Also, she stated the capital of Kongo, Mbanza Kongo was Bethlehem and Jesus was born there, making him an Kongo man. For the time, these thoughts were too radical, and when she tried to end the civil war and create a national restoration movement; she was captured and burned at the stake.
Her story of struggle and triumph is told through her father, Basi. In truth, her interpretation of the Bible is not new and others throughout history have indicated Africa to be the true home of the Bible, and that Jesus, with his copper skin and hair of wool in fact come from there as well. Even in America, several Christian denominations within the Black Church, do depict Jesus as a Black man. Overall, I would recommend this book for both religious and non-religious.
*I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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