How did an African-American man born in a ghetto in 1879 rise to such religious prominence that his followers addressed letters to him simply "God, Harlem USA"? Using hitherto unknown materials, Jill Watts portrays the life and career of one of the 20th century's most intriguing religious leaders, Father Divine. Starting as an intinerant preacher, Father Divine built an unprecedented movement that by the 1930s had attracted followers across the nation and around the world. As his ministry grew, so did the controversy surrounding his enormous wealth, flamboyant style and committed "angels" - black and white, rich and poor alike. This is a full account of Father Divine's childhood and early years, challenging previous contentions that he was born into a sharecropping family in the deep South. While earlier biographers have concentrated on Father Divine's social and economic programs, Watts focuses on his theology, which gives new meaning to secular activities that often appeared contradictory.
- ISBN10 0585249873
- ISBN13 9780585249872
- Publish Date December 1995 (first published 10 January 1992)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of California Press
- Edition [Pbk. e.
- Format eBook
- Language English