In this book, Thabiti Anyabwile offers a challenging and provocative assessment of the history of African American Christian theology, from its earliest beginnings to the present. He argues trenchantly that the modern fruit of African American theology has fallen far from the tree of its early predecessors. In doing so, Anyabwile closely examines the theological commitments of prominent African American theologians throughout American history. Chapter by chapter, he traces what he sees as the theological decline of African American theology from one generation to the next, concluding with an unflinching examination of several contemporary figures. Replete with primary texts and illustrations, this book is a gold mine for any reader interested in the history of African American Christianity.

• General readers
• Professors
• Students

• Includes a foreword by Mark A. Noll
• Offers insight into the history of the African American church
• Counteracts contemporary assumptions about African American theology
• Highlights the key figures and developments in the history of African American theology

In the history of the Western World, the Bible has been a perpetual source of inspiration and guidance for countless Christians. However, this Bible has also left a trail of pain. It is undeniable that the Bible is not always used for good. Sometimes the Bible can seem overtly evil. Sometimes its texts are terrible.

Moving from ancient and medieval sources to contemporary appropriations of the Sarah and Hagar story, the authors begin, in part 1, with an overview of the three religions—from their scriptural beginnings to their contemporary questions. Part 2, "Hagar and Sarah in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Traditions," explores how the story was developed after its canonization, in rabbinic interpretations, in the stories of Islam, and in the teachings of the early church fathers. And part 3, "Continuing the Conversation with Hagar and Sarah," presents contemporary womanist and feminist perspectives. Timely, relevant, and provocative, Hagar, Sarah, and Their Children offers a reliable and insightful look into a scriptural text foundational to these three great religions, and more important, it provides an entrée into interreligious discussion and understanding.