Can These Bones Live: A Phenomenological Exploration of Images of the Black Church

Abstract

RELIGION

CAN THESE BONES LIVE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF IMAGES OF THE BLACK CHURCH

CHARLES EDWARD BOWIE

Dissertation under the direction of Professor Victor Anderson

This project is concerned with images of the Black Church and their meanings, significances and relevances for contemporary African American life. In this dissertation I explore images of the Black Church from the perspective of hermeneutical phenomenology. I rely on textual products of the Black Church from its preaching and praying traditions. By exploring the symbolic constructions of the Black Church, a deep complexity is disclosed that points to the internal logic of the Black Church as a community whose primary concern is transcendence. In sum, the Black Church has meaning, relevance and significance for African Americans living in the 21st century when it reaches back, within its memory and refracts the plight of the least advantaged through its constitution as a Natural and Human Community.

Approved: Victor Anderson Date 10/24/2008