"BLACK FIRE".... Book Review....

BOOK REVIEW: (via:IVP Academic)

Black Fire: 100 Years of African American Pentecostalism

Ⓒ By (Dr.) Estrelda Y. Alexander

Anyone knowing me knows I read voraciously! (Usually around 13-15 new books per month); I especially love to read: History, Theology, Biography, and Church or Religious expressions related History. This book had me reading later than usual--into the night! For me, it's an amazing read! Thank you Intervarsity Press!

A Google Search for "Black Fire" likely will not net results showing this Black Fire title by Dr. Estrelda Y. Alexander, for Intervarsity Press-Academic. THIS "Black Fire" is the real deal, for those wanting a history of the Black Pentecostal movement, and/or the 'feel' of what its history was like. "The Struggle Is Real"! 

Alexander (Ph. D, Catholic University) grew up in a "Oneness" Pentecostal movement, but her grasp of her subject matter is outstanding. Her first-hand-knowledge, and research on this book documents clearly the at times warm- at times, blustery relationships between the so-called 'holiness' movements. Struggle and strife, and growth and sometimes ugly disputes within (Black, and White) Pentecostalism. Mostly over differing 'beliefs', doctrines and dogma.  

While she recognizes William J. Seymour (Azusa Street Revival), as the 'founder' of African American Pentecostalism, she does not discount the contributions of Charles Fox Parham.

Dr. Estrelda Alexander is an Associate Professor of Theology at Regent University, School of Divinity. She is also Executive Director of the Wm. J. Seymour Pan-African Pentecostal Project. Additionally, Alexander is author of The Women of Azusa Street (2006), Limited Liberty (2008), and this volume; Black Fire.

Though published in May 2011, this book is timeless. I received it from Intervarsity Press Public Relations only yesterday, I was some 215 pages in before I could put it down. My 'search' began looking for books related to the 'history' of Pentecostalism; including Seymour, Parham and others like Smith Wigglesworth, (British) "Apostle of Faith" instead, thankfully, I 'stumbled' across this title while choosing selections for my Book Club Membership.

I recommend this title, not only for the 'academics' it presents, but as a "Good Read" for a general understanding of the oft misunderstood, misinterpreted "Pentecostalism" and "Black (or Latino) Pentecostalism and its passion and charisma. "Black Fire: 100 Years of African American Pentecostalism is available wherever you usually purchase your books; but through Inter Varsity, whether the "Book Club" or a direct purchase from IVP Academic, you'll save anywhere from 10-30% on the current purchase price.

Additionally, Dr. Alexander's "The Black Fire Reader" is an additional source of much information on the fastest growing segmenc©t of global Christianity. (2013, Cascade Books). Available as a Kindle e-Book, and from Amazon.

Good Reading friends! 

RELATED: "Smith Wigglesworth..." (Collected Works) Whitaker House (CBD) 2008

Wigglesworth Devotional, (Whitaker/CBD) 1999

"God's Generals" By Wm. J. Seymour (Whitaker/CBD) 2000 (E-Book) 

"Azusa Street Project" (DVD) CBD/Whitaker House 3/17/17 (Ships 03.17.17 when available)

Related Searches: International Four Square Gospel, Kenneth Hagin, Jack Hayford, R. W. Shambach, Kenneth Copeland 

© DMB, O.S.L

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed here, and on my Twitter account (@GoWestYoungMan1) are entirely mine, (DMB) and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of the leadership or membership of ONE Feltonville CCDC, and/or Feltonville Town Watch. When in Juniata News, my views do not represent the opinions of the newspaper.
I assert my Copyright privileges under International Copyright Law, and further assert that I am the sole author of this work.