William Sheppard: Congo's African American Livingstone

by William E. Phipps

This comprehensive biography of William Sheppard, the first African American Presbyterian missionary, presents the remarkable story of how an African American born in the South during the era of slavery emerged as one of the most distinguished Presbyterian leaders in American history. The book chronicles Sheppard's journey to the Congo, details his efforts to challenge human rights violations, and describes his impact on the areas of religion, human rights, education, and art.

Genres: Africa

247 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[BigGuyJawny]

I appreciated my time learning about the missionary William Sheppard, but Phipps’ godless, liberal theology robs Sheppard’s very spiritual story of its spiritual impact.

Three Reasons Why I gave it Three Stars
+ The information is thorough and gives a great play-by-play of this great man’s life events. I also enjoyed the epilogue chapter lauding Sheppard’s impact (not enough biographies do that!).
- The event narrative is disordered (Why mention Sheppard’s adulteries done during his mission-work in a chapter about things that happened long after ?).
- Phipps’ godless liberal theology robs the reader of an actually Christian interpretation of Sheppard’s missionary-work. His biases also softens his condemnations of evil African practices while levying full condemnations against evil white practices.

[Bo]

Well written biography of a 19th century missionary. Sheppard did not convert to take away the culture of the Congolese. He understood and enhanced it.