Upon This Rock : The Miracles of a Black Church

by Samuel G. Freedman

"Freedman's vivid, wonderfully affecting book . . . is journalism of the highest order, a compassionate account of a year in the life of an extraordinary man, a charismatic Brooklyn preacher named Reverend Johnny Ray Youngblood, . . . . A sharply focused, triumphant hymn-shouting wonder of a book documenting the spiritual and worldly struggles of a people grappling with everyday realities that would test the convictions of a saint." — Entertainment Weekly  (A) " Upon This Rock  provides a route back to hope for all readers." — Christian Science Monitor In this widely acclaimed bestseller, Samuel Freedman, the author of  Small Victories,  tackles another explosive issue, this time race in America, by taking an in-depth look at the pastor of a thriving Black church in one of New York's most desperate slums.  

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Theology, Church

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Samuel G. Freedman is a columnist for The New York Times and a professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is the author of seven acclaimed books, most recently "Breaking The Line," and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

Reviews

[molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting book, and a great addition to an area that i've been interested in studying recently. while the title and cover made me think that this book would be about one very impressive man, my favorite thing about the book was that it portrayed the lives of many totally regular people. that portrayal did a lot more to impress me with the greatness of people and community than a single biography could have.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An account about an authentic attempt by a pastor of a black church to minister to a church. The pastor is flexible in his interpretation of bible passages so that they resonate with the circumstances and lives of his congregation. Also, a fascinating story of his attempt to grow the church's social ministry.

[Candelaria Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful examination of a Black Baptist Church in Brooklyn, combining stories of members of the congregation and stories about the pastor. It is such an uplifting book while remaining rooted in the strengths, frailties, triumphs and failures of the pastor and congregation.
I gave about 10 copies of this book to various friends over the years.
I highly recommend it.

[Marcus]

We read this back in my first year of divinity school. I more or less finished it... more or less.