Slave Religion The "Invisible Institution" in the Antebellum South

by Raboteau, Albert J.

• ISBN13: 9780195174120
• ISBN10: 0195174127
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-10-07
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Twenty-five years after its original publication, Slave Religion remains a classic in the study of African American history and religion. In a new chapter in this anniversary edition, author Albert J. Raboteau reflects upon the origins of the book, the reactions to it over the past twenty-fiveyears, and how he would write it differently today. Using a variety of first and second-hand sources-- some objective, some personal, all riveting-- Raboteau analyzes the transformation of the African religions into evangelical Christianity. He presents the narratives of the slaves themselves, aswell as missionary reports, travel accounts, folklore, black autobiographies, and the journals of white observers to describe the day-to-day religious life in the slave communities. Slave Religion is a must-read for anyone wanting a full picture of this "invisible institution."

Author Biography

Albert J. Raboteau is Henry W. Putnam Professor of Religion at Princeton University and author of Canaan Land (OUP),A Fire in the Bones, and A Sorrowful Joy.

Table of Contents

I THE AFRICAN HERITAGE
1. The African Diaspora,	3	(40)
2. Death of the Gods,	43	(52)
II "THE INVISIBLE INSTITUTION"
3. Catechesis and Conversion,	95	(56)
4. The Rule of Gospel Order,	151	(60)
5. Religious Life in the Slave Community,	211	(78)
6. Religion, Rebellion, and Docility,	289	(30)
Conclusion: Canaan Land,	319	(4)
Afterword,	323	(12)
Notes,	335	(54)
Index,	389