Overview

"This study of atheist African American writers poses a substantive challenge to those who see atheism in despairing and nihilistic terms. Lackey argues that while most white atheists mourn the loss of faith, many black atheists--believing the ""God-concept"" spawns racism and oppression--consider the death of God a cause for personal and political hope. Focusing on a little-discussed aspect of African American literature, this full-length analysis of African American atheists' treatment of God fills a huge gap in studies that consistently ignore their contributions. Examining how a belief in God and His ""chosen people"" necessitates a politics of superiority and inferiority, Lackey implicitly considers the degree to which religious faith is responsible for justifying oppression, even acts of physical and psychological violence. In their secular vision of social and political justice, black atheists argue that only when the culture adopts and internalizes a truly atheist politics--one based on pluralism, tolerance, and freedom--will radical democracy be achieved. Of primary interest to scholars of African American studies, this volume also will appeal to religious scholars, philosophers, anthropologists, freethinkers, and religious and secular humanists. A recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, Michael Lackey is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota, Morris."

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9780813033181

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An original and provocative approach to a genuinely neglected aspect of 20th-century African American literature, this well-written, accessible book turns the tables on conventional accounts of African American religious beliefs.... Essential. - Selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title Takes issue with both religious and humanists who hold these views. While he maintains that most white atheists mourn the death of God, he argues that most African-American atheists find in it a source of liberation and optimism for a bright political future. - Free Inquiry

An original and provocative approach to a genuinely neglected aspect of 20th-century African American literature, this well-written, accessible book turns the tables on conventional accounts of African American religious beliefs.... Essential. - Selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title Takes issue with both religious and humanists who hold these views. While he maintains that most white atheists mourn the death of God, he argues that most African-American atheists find in it a source of liberation and optimism for a bright political future. - Free Inquiry

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