Arthur Huff Fauset (1899–1983)

The local community college library discontinued this work and it was available for free. I tend to be game for research on cults; I find them endlessly fascinating.

The author, whom we would now consider biracial, spent time investigating and exploring cult-like groups which had either sprung up or gained decent following primarily among the black population in the Philadelphia area in the late 1930s. Two of them seem to be some kind of Christian group (a more Pentecostal group, and "Bishop Grace's" crowd); one of them seems to be a precursor of the Black Hebrew Israelites, and another a precursor of the Nation of Islam, yet quite distinct (the Moorish Temple). The "Father Divine" movement seemed to be its own thing.

The author explores each group with testimonials from members. He compares and contrasts them in terms of their doctrines and what made them attractive. He utilizes his evidence to push back against many of the racial theories of his age - greater spirituality and emotionalism among the black population, primarily. He did well at considering how participation in these cults gave people a sense of community, cohesion, and/or identity.

An interesting read for certain.… (mais)