Issue 62 Bound for Canaan

Spiritual memories of slaves—in their own words.

There is an undissolvable link between spiritual and other freedoms.

Ignorance, prejudice, and even Bible Christianity joined forces to sabotage the faith of African-American slaves.

The musical theology of spirituals.

Black abolitionsts were tired of waiting for a gradual peaceful end to slavery.

At its best, slavery was a cruel system.

The mystical faith and no-nonsense tactics of the Underground Railroad’s most famous leader.

Chronology of events related to African-American slavery.

Nat Turner’s rebellion, the bloodiest in slave history, was driven by his prophetic visions.

Some blacks, like George Liele, had to emigrate to live and minister freely.

One April Sunday, Richard and fellow black Methodists decided they wouldn’t stand for prejudice anymore.

How the largest African-American denomination in the world got its start.

When given even a limited opportunity to grow, these African-American Christians blossomed.

A slave who thought for himself.

A condensed excerpt from The Life and Religious Experience of Jarena Lee.

What does the experience of black Christians before the Civil War have to say to American Christians (both black and white) today?

What does the experience of black Christians before the Civil War have to say to American Christians (both black and white) today?

What does the experience of black Christians before the Civil War have to say to American Christians (both black and white) today?

Resources for further study of African American religion before the Civil War.