The Black Church in America: African American Christian Spirtuality

“I am, because we are; and since we are, therefore I am,” said Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This strong sense of community, argues author Michael Battle, is central to African American Christian spirituality. Exploring the history of the Black Church in America, its African roots, its beliefs, practices, politics, and moral dilemmas, he gives readers a broad understanding of African American Christian spirituality and a sense of its uniqueness in the wider world.

Michael Battle is Vice President, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Theology at Virginia Theological Seminary . He has previously worked with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and served as an inner-city chaplain with Tony Campolo Ministries. Battle has travelled to Uganda and Kenya with Plowshares Institute, and was ordained in Cape Town, South Africa by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He therefore has a strong affinity with the many forms of African American Christian spirituality.