Black Visions of the Holy Land

[Bauman’s] research offers valuable insights into the complex identity of the Black church, reminding us that faith is not merely a spiritual practice but is also deeply intertwined with political and social action. * Religious Studies Review * Roger Baumann’s deeply researched comparative study of African American Christians’ engagements with Israel and Palestine sheds light on how religion, race, and collective memory intertwine as communities develop surprisingly divergent visions of transnational solidarity. Black Visions of the Holy Land not only deepens our understanding of the Black Church’s political diversity and global reach but also offers timely insight into Americans’ complex alliances in the Middle East today. -- Ruth Braunstein, author of <i>Prophets and Patriots: Faith in Democracy Across the Political Divide</i> Baumann highlights the differences within African American religious communities over questions about Israel and Palestine, placing the reader squarely in the middle of contemporary debates. Perhaps the most thorough analysis of the positions taken by African American religious leaders on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Black Visions of the Holy Land is a must-read for scholars and students of religion and foreign policy. -- R. Khari Brown, author of <i>Race and the Power of Sermons on American Politics</i> With generational change, Black Christians are increasingly oriented toward justice in the Middle East. Roger Baumann places this shift in context, offering a textured and compelling account of the ways elite Black Christians had their judgment clouded and the ways grassroots solidarity networks are offering new visions of liberation. Along the way, Baumann invites readers to reimagine the Black Church itself. -- Vincent W. Lloyd, author of <i>Black Dignity: The Struggle Against Domination</i> This is a well-written book on a relevant topic that offers new insights into the interplay of religion and politics. It focuses on a highly charged political issue that intersects with racial and religious group identities in a manner that is both respectful and unbiased. -- Brandon C. Martinez, Providence College