LONGWOOD, FL-The Spiritual Baptist Faith has long been shrouded in mystery and treated with unwarranted fear and prejudice by non-members. In 1917 the group was outlawed by the Shouter Prohibition Ordinance against its mode of worship, which was considered "too noisy" and "too African" and therefore uncivilized and unacceptable. It suffered legal persecution and prosecution until the ordinance was repealed in 1951. Author Hazel Ann Gibbs DePeza explores the development and practices of the faith and its relationship with African religion and Christianity in My Faith-Spiritual Baptist Christian (paperback, 978-1-60266-509-5).
"My faith has spread throughout the world from its humble beginnings in the Caribbean islands among the slaves and ex-slaves," says DePeza. "Because it has been mainly an oral tradition, not many written records are available. As a result, many myths and fallacies abound about it. Members, non-members, and the Christian community need to know the facts."
The faith first emerged among the Africans in the 19th century in Trinidad and Tobago. DePeza's tantalizing glimpse of the history that underpins its secret and complex nature will bring deep sensitivity to a faith that has been, until now, much maligned. "The point is to tell the truth about my faith and thus dispel the myths and correct the misconceptions that abound about it," says DePeza.
Rev. Hazel Ann Gibbs DePeza holds a masterŐs degree in philosophy and is completing a doctorate degree in educational leadership. She is also a senior instructor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago.
Xulon Press, a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world's largest Christian publisher, with more than 3,900 titles published to date. Retailers may order My Faith-Spiritual Baptist Christian through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. Salem Communications is the country's leading Christian communications company with interests in radio, Internet, and magazine publishing.
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2007