Exorcizing evil

Book Description

In the depths of America's most challenging historical period, enslaved African Americans created something extraordinary: the Spirituals. These sacred songs became far more than music—they transformed into vessels of resistance, hope, and divine connection that continue to resonate today.

Cheryl Kirk-Duggan invites readers into the profound spiritual world where African traditions merged with Christian faith under the weight of oppression. Through her womanist theological lens, she reveals how enslaved people drew upon their creativity and deep spirituality to forge songs that could "name, unmask, and engage the powers" that sought to diminish their humanity.

This exploration moves beyond historical analysis to uncover the theological richness embedded within these sacred songs. Kirk-Duggan demonstrates how the Spirituals functioned as both celebration of life-force and direct appeal to divine support during suffering. The music carried forward into the Civil Rights era, where powerful ensembles and individual voices continued to embody this language of survival and empowerment.

At its heart, this work presents a theology of justice woven through melody and verse. Readers discover how these songs affirmed Black identity and divine love, creating a theodicy that addressed fundamental questions about God's presence amid injustice. The stories of women who lived, sang, and worked with these Spirituals illuminate the enduring power of faith expressed through music to sustain communities and inspire transformation.