Official Review: Merritt Magic by Melinda Merritt
Posted: 21 Apr 2019, 07:24
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Merritt Magic" by Melinda Merritt.]
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Merritt Magic begins with the story of a lioness in Ethiopia who succeeds in freeing herself from her captors by remembering the magical power within her. Melinda Merritt uses it as a parable to narrate the history of black African women who were kidnapped and enslaved by white Americans. I think a more suitable word would be “grace” instead of “magic” since it is an inner power connecting them to the Supreme Divine Spiritual Power.
Millions of Africans lost their lives in freedom struggles. They faced two problems: the humiliation associated with kidnapping, and the bodily suffering from being treated worse than animals. I found this part of the book very disturbing. The whites strategically attacked the blacks by convincing them to give up these cultural and spiritual practices; therefore, the blacks saw the need to revive them. Perhaps, the oppression could be overcome by remembering their ancestral knowledge on how to control the elements. The author gives the example of critical moments when she experienced the spirits of her mother and other ancestors coming to defend her family.
Merritt goes further to describe how feminist sages preached the Bible in harmony with the ongoing spiritual communication with their ancestors. This kept hope alive in the community. They also used natural remedies for healing. According to the writer, Eve was the first to receive spiritual wisdom and power by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Moses was married to an Ethiopian woman, but their descendants are not mentioned in the Scriptures. They were prophets and sages who possessed exceptional powers to protect their families. The writer also describes the freedom movement triggered by Martin Luther King, Jr., and others she knew. They had a similar power within them.
In my opinion, Merritt has exaggerated the magical powers of women sages to promote a feminist ideology. History shows that African women have been oppressed not only by whites but also by black men. Ancestral worship and Christianity together seem to be an odd combination. I have not explored this in depth, but I find this book very interesting. I agree that missionaries did much harm to indigenous cultures and traditions. The wounds will take centuries to heal. Nevertheless, Merritt does not seem resentful. Her family of sages continues to follow Jesus Christ with conviction. This is what I liked most about her work.
I am pleased to rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It does not seem to be professionally edited, and I found grammatical errors which were distracting. It is recommended for men and women philosophers, theologians and those who are engaged in interfaith dialogue. Social workers, counselors, and feminists will find it inspiring. One does not have to agree with everything that is written, but it is worth reading.
******
Merritt Magic
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Renu G's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Merritt Magic begins with the story of a lioness in Ethiopia who succeeds in freeing herself from her captors by remembering the magical power within her. Melinda Merritt uses it as a parable to narrate the history of black African women who were kidnapped and enslaved by white Americans. I think a more suitable word would be “grace” instead of “magic” since it is an inner power connecting them to the Supreme Divine Spiritual Power.
Millions of Africans lost their lives in freedom struggles. They faced two problems: the humiliation associated with kidnapping, and the bodily suffering from being treated worse than animals. I found this part of the book very disturbing. The whites strategically attacked the blacks by convincing them to give up these cultural and spiritual practices; therefore, the blacks saw the need to revive them. Perhaps, the oppression could be overcome by remembering their ancestral knowledge on how to control the elements. The author gives the example of critical moments when she experienced the spirits of her mother and other ancestors coming to defend her family.
Merritt goes further to describe how feminist sages preached the Bible in harmony with the ongoing spiritual communication with their ancestors. This kept hope alive in the community. They also used natural remedies for healing. According to the writer, Eve was the first to receive spiritual wisdom and power by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Moses was married to an Ethiopian woman, but their descendants are not mentioned in the Scriptures. They were prophets and sages who possessed exceptional powers to protect their families. The writer also describes the freedom movement triggered by Martin Luther King, Jr., and others she knew. They had a similar power within them.
In my opinion, Merritt has exaggerated the magical powers of women sages to promote a feminist ideology. History shows that African women have been oppressed not only by whites but also by black men. Ancestral worship and Christianity together seem to be an odd combination. I have not explored this in depth, but I find this book very interesting. I agree that missionaries did much harm to indigenous cultures and traditions. The wounds will take centuries to heal. Nevertheless, Merritt does not seem resentful. Her family of sages continues to follow Jesus Christ with conviction. This is what I liked most about her work.
I am pleased to rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It does not seem to be professionally edited, and I found grammatical errors which were distracting. It is recommended for men and women philosophers, theologians and those who are engaged in interfaith dialogue. Social workers, counselors, and feminists will find it inspiring. One does not have to agree with everything that is written, but it is worth reading.
******
Merritt Magic
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Renu G's review? Post a comment saying so!
