Title: Black Divinity: Manifesto of The Black Theocracy Third Edition
Author: Tony Saunders
Publisher: Authorhouse
ISBN: 978-1-946801-20-3
Pages: 235
Genre: Theology/Christian/African-American Lit
Reviewed By: Tiffany Ezuma
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
In Black Divinity: Manifest of The Black Theocracy Third Edition, author Tony Saunders builds on his collection of work to create an uplifting, comprehensive new volume which gives a whole new understanding to black theocracy while using the street-life culture of New York City as an example.
As a former gang member, Saunders is able to use his knowledge of his own past and upbringing to give an authenticity to his work which is hard to come by for other scholars who use theory without any true life experience. Knowing his past will deepen the readers’ understanding of Saunders’ argument and give more credence to the theories he puts forth throughout the course of his book.
Saunders uses historical teachings ranging from Plato to Malcolm X to make the argument for a unification of black culture centered on the idea that every black man is capable of using a shared history and the teachings of blacks dating all the way back to the Egyptians as a way to become a fully actualized member of society. Those teachings, paired with the study of God’s righteousness and benevolence, from a black person’s perspective, gives shape to a black theocracy which has been neglected in Western teachings.
Though the subject matter may sound too academic for some casual readers, Saunders has a deft writing style that is able to explain even the most complex terms in a way that the average reader can understand. It is his writing strength which serves the subject matter well, making sure it does not alienate the reader, enabling them to be able to digest his teachings for their use in everyday life.
Black Divinity: Manifesto of The Black Theocracy Third Edition is a fascinating read which will fill a gap in knowledge for those seeking to learn more about this theory and are looking for a new way towards black self-actualization. This book would also be ideal for a group study program as it spurs many topics of conversation.
