God, Harlem U.S.A

Book Description

In the heart of Harlem during the early twentieth century, an extraordinary spiritual phenomenon emerged that would challenge conventional understanding of faith, power, and transformation. Jill Watts presents the remarkable story of Father Divine, an African-American preacher whose influence grew so profound that followers worldwide addressed their correspondence simply to "God, Harlem U.S.A."

This compelling biography traces the journey of a man born into poverty in 1879 who constructed one of America's most fascinating religious movements. Through previously undiscovered materials, Watts reveals how Father Divine developed a revolutionary spiritual philosophy that blended African-American traditions with elements of Catholicism, Methodism, Pentecostalism, and New Thought principles that would later influence New Age spirituality.

At the core of Father Divine's teaching was the transformative power of positive thinking and mind mastery. He offered followers a practical path to health, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment through channeling divine consciousness. His message particularly resonated with those facing racial discrimination and economic hardship, providing an empowering ideology that promised success through inner transformation rather than external circumstances.

Watts moves beyond sensational accounts of Father Divine's wealth and controversial lifestyle to examine the theological foundations that made his movement so compelling. She explores how his syncretic approach to spirituality attracted diverse followers across racial and economic lines, creating a community united by shared beliefs in personal empowerment and spiritual possibility.

This balanced portrait illuminates both the visionary leader and the dedicated community he inspired, offering insights into how spiritual movements can emerge from society's margins to influence mainstream American culture.