Prophet Harris, the ʻBlack Elijahʼ of West Africa
Book Description
This scholarly exploration unveils the remarkable spiritual journey of William Wade Harris, a Liberian prophet whose divine calling transformed the religious landscape of West Africa in the early twentieth century. Between 1910 and 1929, Harris emerged as a powerful spiritual figure whose message resonated so deeply that tens of thousands of people abandoned traditional religious practices to embrace Christianity and engage with modernization.
David Shank presents the first comprehensive examination of Harris's theological vision and prophetic methodology. The study reveals how this charismatic leader synthesized African spiritual traditions with Christian teachings, creating a distinctive form of faith that spoke authentically to West African communities. Harris proclaimed Christ's reign of peace and prosperity through symbols, words, and personal magnetism that formed a cohesive spiritual framework.
Drawing from previously unexplored historical documents and photographs, this work illuminates the biblical and messianic elements that shaped Harris's ministry. The author carefully analyzes how traditional African beliefs, Western missionary influences, and colonial pressures converged to create the conditions for Harris's unprecedented religious breakthrough, particularly in the Ivory Coast.
The book also examines the complex relationships that developed between Harris's followers and established Christian denominations, revealing how well-intentioned but evolving colonial and missionary responses created lasting tensions among Harrist communities, Methodists, and Catholics. This thorough investigation offers valuable insights into African Christianity's development and the dynamics of spiritual transformation across cultures.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 309 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions
- ✓ Explore Prophets
- ✓ Explore Cote d'ivoire, history
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Harris, william wade
- ✓ Explore Evangelists
- ✓ Explore Harris Church (Côte d'Ivoire)
- ✓ Explore Profeten
