Review Of Du Bois's 'Of The Faith Of The Fathers'

Thesis: In Of the Faith of the Fathers, Du Bois exemplifies a reflection on the complex role that religion plays in the lives of African Americans. Du Bois clarifies the ways in which black faith has been shaped by historical circumstances and ongoing struggles for justice and equality.

Supporting Points:

The reading begins with a verse by the Victorian Scottish writer William Sharp, writing under the pen name of Fiona Macleod. Du Bois, the author, then returns to his days as a rural schoolteacher and describes his times there. Du Bois explains his

Firstly, Du Bois notes that black Americans have a unique relationship with Christianity, as it was often the only avenue for education and self-improvement available to them. He also acknowledges

Du Bois is an outsider looking into the world of African American religion, so the new experiences in leadership, music, and worship are all extremely different and an observer. He notes that while these forms may differ, the fundamental belief in the redemptive power of God remains a constant. Du Bois explains African-American religious music as “the most original and beautiful expression of human life and longing yet born on American soil.” This shows how important it is for African Americans to use music and other ways to express their beliefs of religion. The deep history and culture was exemplified throughout the reading, as Du Bois described the lineage of the black church starting with the bare roots in

He argues that while spiritual salvation is important, it is not enough to address the social and economic inequality faced by African Americans. Du Bois makes us as the readers think about the impact of religion on our lives and how we might use our faith to promote social justice and equality. This is important, as the problems and grief were just incredibly high as slaves, that the people needed a backbone and something to lean on when the times were tough. Thus Du Bois explains how African-Americans lived a “double life” from the constant pressure of the veil. This double thought came from the intense suffering in racism turned to religion in a bitter response of pain, and others who find strength and determination through identifying with Jesus and a strong belief in