Beyond Roots: In Search of Blacks in the Bible

by William Dwight McKissic Sr, Anthony T. Evans (Foreword)

Alex Haley's search for his "roots" restored to many Black Americans a long-lost sense of heritage. But it also made many of us wonder just how deep our roots might sink into the fertile ground of human history. Does the legacy passed on to us reach back to a time when Christ walked with us- perhaps even to the moment of creation? For the Christian, the questions become even more pointed: what role did dark-skinned people play in the early days of historical Christianity?
In "Beyond Roots: In Search of Blacks in the Bible," Rev. William Dwight McKissic launches a search of his own, taking us from the days of Kunta Kinte to the very birth of humanity. His exegetical and historical perspectives shed light on important considerations for all Black believers:
-Were there prominent Black characters in the Bible? Who were they? What role did they play?
-Were any of the biblical writers Black?
-Is there biblical evidence of a "curse" on dark-skinned people?
-Did Black people receive Christ in slavery, or did they bring their faith with them to the shores of America?
-Were there Black people on the earth before the days of Noah?
-What role did Africans play in the early days of the Christian faith?
"Beyond Roots: In Search of Blacks in the Bible" picks up where traditional theological training leaves off and restores to Black Christians their biblical birthright.

Genres: History, Religion

82 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1990

Reviews

[V.R. Foreman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely eye-opening and engaging. Knowledge found in the book would probably take years to thoroughly research. It is wonderful to have such a depth of information displayed so simply.

Extremely eye-opening and engaging. Knowledge found in the book would probably take years to thoroughly research. It is wonderful to have such a depth of information displayed so simply.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raised on Sunday school flannel graph stories in the 80s, I find my mental map of the ethnicities of prominent people in the Bible has always been a bit foggy. In this slim volume, McKissic traces names, lineages, and historic ethnic links through the old and new testaments, offering the reader a richer understanding of church history.

[Anthony Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a white Christian, this book was extremely eye-opening. I think this would be eye-opening to any born and raised American of any age and race. This is a must-read for all followers of Christ.

Lord have mercy on us, on me! Have mercy on the ways in which our culture has infected our minds with the idea that the characters in the Bible are mainly thought of as white-skinned.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very informative, and really learned quite a bit from him. His love for Christ and vision to fulfill the calling that the Lord has given him is very evident. He has really reinforced my opinion that we need to recognize the influence of Africans and dark skinned people on the church over the centuries - think Augustine.

If I have once complete its too short but it should really be viewed as an introduction to the subject. He has certainly whetted my appetitive.

[SassyCat Mitchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book.

[Paul Runnoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned so much from this short book. It's definitely not an exhaustive study, but I found it incredibly helpful in gaining a better understanding and perspective on the history of ethnicity in the Bible.