Trouble in black paradise
Book Description
In this provocative exploration of faith, identity, and civil rights, author Fundi navigates the complex intersection where African American Christianity meets LGBTQ+ advocacy in contemporary America. Drawing from his unique perspective as both a Civil Rights tradition bearer and an openly gay Black man who embraced Buddhism, the author examines the tensions that emerged during the Proposition 8 era and similar legislative battles.
Fundi brings together decades of social and anthropological research to illuminate how two communities seeking justice and recognition have found themselves at odds. Through intimate dialogue and careful analysis, he explores why many African American Christians have opposed same-sex marriage while rejecting comparisons between their civil rights struggles and LGBTQ+ equality movements. The book reveals how both white gay mainstream culture and entrenched African American Christian establishments have contributed to this divide through political disconnection and limited cross-cultural understanding.
This work goes beyond surface-level disagreements to examine the deeper cultural, historical, and spiritual forces at play. The author challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about racism, homophobia, and the institutions that shape both communities. With his background as an educator, historian, and social activist spanning nearly four decades, Fundi offers a rare insider's perspective on bridging seemingly irreconcilable differences.
For those seeking to understand how faith communities navigate complex social issues, this book provides essential insights into American religious and cultural dynamics.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~13 hours)
📄 Length: 474 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Homosexuality
- ✓ Explore Religious life
- ✓ Explore Civil rights
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Attitudes
- ✓ Explore Homophobia
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore African American gays
