Biblical Black History - Book Review
Carter G Woodson is known as the Father of black history. He was a historian, author, journalist and responsible for launching Negro History Week in 1926 in the United States. He believed it was important because
“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated. The American Indian left no continuous record. He did not appreciate the value of tradition; and where is he today? The Hebrew keenly appreciated the value of tradition, as is attested by the Bible itself. In spite of worldwide persecution, therefore, he is a great factor in our civilization (Woodson, “Negro History Week”, p.238).”
In 1976, Black History Month was officially recognized in the United States during the celebration of the Bicentennial. Through recent times this celebration included making all Americans aware of the struggle of African Americans for freedom and equality. It was also to celebrate the many achievements of African Americans in the fields of science, politics, religion and the arts.
As a result, each year traditional observances celebrate the life and contributions of pioneers such as Martin Luther King, Carter G Woodson, Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall, Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, among others. CJ Wilson’s, Biblical Black History turns this annual celebration on its head. Biblical Black History (132 pages paperback available at biblicalblackbooks.com) proposes that if you want to know your history, start at the beginning. CJ uses the Bible as the ultimate history manuscript. The Bible may not be in chronological order, but first there was God, then the Spirit and third the Word. When the Trinity made man, Black History began there; if you substitute Black for all peoples included in the African diaspora. God had us in mind in the beginning and Black History started there.
Some of CJ’s commentaries are controversial. They don’t change the way the Bible is interpreted, but finds a way to fuse science and world history with the biblical account. At a first reading you may find it not believable but that is only because we are conditioned to do so. I would challenge you to read his work and do the research, if you find that it is not in line with your beliefs, please challenge him. Every once in a while, we all need a push to find common ground amongst believers. Too many divisions in the faith because we major on minors and don’t spend enough time finding common ground.
The section in the book I am referring to is that God made us from the same material that the stars are made of. CJ explains this in his interview with Rev Boxx that will follow shortly. This assertion does not change who we are in God’s eyes but it can shed some otherwise interesting insight. CJ is planning to release a documentary to shed more light on this issue and we await its release. Although this assertion will shock many, it is a sidebar in a book that celebrates people of color in the Bible. From the descendants of Ham who settled in Northern Africa and their descendants who show up numerous places in the bible from Hagar (Egyptian) who bore Ismael; Job’s friend Bildad who was a Canaanite; to Joseph marriage to an Egyptian; to Moses marriage to a Midianite; to Joshua’s birth in Egypt; Bathsheba’s lineage, etc. This a celebration of people of color throughout the world. It is also a celebration of black women. He uses Caleb’s pledging his daughter Achsah in marriage to Othniel as an example of a Father’s value of his daughter. The book reads like a reference document that you can refer to often and go off on rabbit trails to all of the bible and other references cited.
CJ’s writing turns on its heads how many perceive the Bible as a historical document. The purpose of his writing is to unify several conflicting theologies. It is very detailed and includes several Bible verses to back up his assertions. It is well written and well worth the read. It is an easy read and can be read within one sitting. It sets the stage for his second writing “The Exodus.” - - Jeffrey McLeod 4/8/2020.