God, Harlem U.S.A.: The Father Divine Story

by Jill Watts and Jill Watts

Book Overview

How did an African-American man born in a ghetto in 1879 rise to such religious prominence that his followers addressed letters to him simply "God, Harlem U.S.A."? Using hitherto unknown materials, Jill Watts portrays the life and career of one of the twentieth century's most intriguing religious leaders, Father Divine. Starting as an itinerant preacher, Father Divine built an unprecedented movement that by the 1930s had attracted followers across...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520074556
• ISBN13: 9780520074552
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 249 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The True Vine

I picked this book up from a friend who had purchased it and could not put it down once I began. For those like myself that thought the spiritual life of most African-Americans ranged from Christian evangelicalism to the Nation of Islam and Moorish Science, this was an eye opening experience from the perspective of how influencial "New Thought" movements were on Father Divine and his integrated band of followers. This book provides a study of American religious history between the two world wars that few Americans are aware of. Father Divine finally takes his rightful place along with others of his era, Aimee Semple McPherson, Billy Sunday and Charles & Myrtle Filmore. The elements incorporated into Father Divine's mission are varied besides New Thought, Unity, Christian Science, there are also elements of the Society of Friends as well as Shaker spirituality. This book was a constant surprise and delight. Father Divine comes across as fully human with a nobility of spirit that persevered through several decades of rampant racism. Highly recommended.

Super Dupper!

Dr. Jill Watts has thoroughly taken the life of Father Divine and brought it to life. I knew little about Father Divine before reading this book and was intrugued by the challenges that faced him. Dr. Watts is an intelligent and articulate woman. I would recommend this book to anyone whether they are interested specifically in African American history or are not. I'm looking forward to reading her next book on Mae West.

Fact filled - a journey of education!

This book provides the opportunity to learn about this highly controversial African American Leader of the 20th Century - and form ones own opinion if one is so inclined! Much that was written about Divine is sooooo old - and not very well researched - Jill Watts has done a fine job.