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The Defining Moment: Rev. Dr. Howard W. Thurman, Part 1

By The Reverend Dr. D. Darrell

Presented by Omni-U Virtual



I am indebted to my Pastor, Rev. Dr. D. Darrell Griffin,  for sharing  his article [1] on Ancestor Rev. Dr. Howard W. Thurman,  so that I can pass an excerpt of it on to you entitled:  "The Defining Moment: Dr. Howard W. Thurman “ . In it, Dr. Thurman raised  questions ,relative to  Christianity, that were  similar to the one that had been referenced  by Abolitionist Sojourner  Truth in her speech of 1852.[2] She lamented that she had searched  the U.S. Constitution for her rights and, after finding none there, she asked, "God, What ails this Constitution? “ God's reply was:


”Sojourner, [There's] a little weevil in it.” [3]

Dr. Gloria Latimore-Peace


It is never to be forgotten that one of the ways by which men measure their own significance is to be found in the amount of power and energy other men must use in order to crush them or hold them back. Howard W Thurman, Jesus and the disinherited.


In my sermons, spiritual direction sessions, and personal conversations, I often mention Rev. Dr. Howard W. Thurman, a twentieth-century African American Baptist theologian and Mystic whose enduring works speak to future generations of diverse Christians. Listeners always want to know, “Who is Howard Thurman?” Many of them have never heard of him and, thus, do not appreciate his invaluable contribution to American religious history,  Christian spirituality, and the struggle for social justice. Rev. Dr. Thurman's  body of work offers a means of exploring spiritual formation and soul care utilizing the biblically- based teachings of Jesus. Thurman distinguishes between formal- official- “Christianity" and the "Religion of Jesus.” In this article, I would like to offer a brief introduction to Rev. Dr. Thurman and his spiritual, social justice, and soul-care journey.


Howard  Washington Thurman was born on November 18, 1899, near Daytona Beach, Florida,  three years following the Plessy v. Ferguson, (163 US 597, 1896) decision of the United States Supreme Court that constitutionally sanctioned and legalized segregation throughout the nation. Remarkably, this descendant of a people who were held in bondage,  became one of the most influential African American spiritual, religious, educational, and social leaders of the century. Rev. Dr. Thurman was intentional in his pursuit of promoting spiritual formation and social justice. A versatile leader, Thurman excelled in multiple roles such as preacher, educator, theologian, mystic multiracial and multicultural church planter, pastor, and a few others. He did not march in any of the major campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement. However, he played a crucial role in constructing a theological framework for social movements for justice and legal equality. Practicing contemplative spirituality, Thurman progressed in mysticism as he believed that religious experience is most effectively explored within one’s own consciousness and character. A complete understanding and study of African American spiritual direction and social justice movements must include an appreciation of his contributions.


He arguably made one of the foremost contributions to African American spirituality, specifically, and to American spirituality, generally,  in the twentieth century. Yet, his significant impact remains widely unknown in most Christian, religious, and social activist communities. 


I first encountered the thoughts and writings of Dr. Howard Thurman more than four decades ago while a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He, himself, had graduated from our alma mater in 1923. His books were required reading for courses I took in religion and philosophy. During my seminary and graduate school studies, I delved more deeply into his theological system of Christian and mystic spirituality. His work persists as a significant and resounding voice in my spiritual odyssey. I utilize his spiritual practices in cultivating my own spiritual disciplines. My formal introduction to spiritual direction strengthened my desire to explore Thurman's extensive collection juxtaposing spiritual formation and social justice.


I glimpsed the life and interior spirituality of Rev. Dr. Thurman through the prism of a congregant, whom I served at Oakdale Covenant Church, in Chicago, Illinois where I have enjoyed the privilege of being senior pastor for more than a quarter of a century. The Late Mrs. Wilverlyn Williams was the goddaughter of Rev. Dr. Thurman and his wife, Sue Elvie Bailey Thurman. Mrs Williams’ brother, Samuel Woodrow Williams,  attended Morehouse College partly because of Dr. Thurman, who became his mentor. Interestingly, Williams would become a faculty member at Morehouse College who influenced  Martin Luther King, Jr.



Rev. Dr. Thurman consistently acknowledged Samuel W. Williams as a source of inspiration. In his autobiography,With Head and Heart, Thurman reminisced about the importance of Williams’ teaching, writing, and friendship. 


Like a museum curator, or a tour guide, I would like to expose the reader to the profound spiritual  insights of Rev. Dr. Thurman's work and legacy, his early spiritual formation, and how it shaped his spiritual journey as well as consider their impact on his formative years and community. His answers to the  foundational questions that guided his life and ministry, challenged and empowered Rev. Dr.  Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as other advocates in the Civil Rights Movement.

He  advocated  that spiritual maturity inevitably yielded social transformation and justice.


I define “spiritual direction” and "soul care" as they relate to my personal beliefs and values. In its simplest form, “spiritual direction” is personal communication and relational intimacy with God that fosters self-realization as a unique child of God and the ability to live according to the principles of this relationship. Practically, one Christian assists another in paying attention to the unfolding communication and revelation of an intimate relationship with God and encouraging a fellow disciple to live out the consequences of that relationship. Thurman's work is especially beneficial to those who dedicate themselves to spiritual wisdom and progress. Thurman emphasizes introspection as the means of flourishing in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.


Thurman, as a provider and recipient, wove spiritual direction and soul care into his theological system and daily living. Throughout his life, Thurman sought spiritual guidance from family, peers, mentors, and myriad sacred texts. As he received empowerment, he guided others in his pastoral ministry, teaching, and writing. Three persons were pivotal in building Thurman's spiritual and existential foundation. They were his grandmother, Mrs. Nancy Ambrose,Quaker mystic scholar and social activist, Rufus Jones, and Mahatma Gandhi.


This pastor, professor, and, mystic posited spiritual development as a collaborative journey between a seeker and a guide. Thurman stressed the importance of whole-hearted listening, silence, withdrawal, and discernment in the process of spiritual direction. These practices enable individuals to learn from their inner wisdom as it occurs within God's presence.


Many global indigenous religions and spiritual traditions value contemplative practices. Thurman emerges amongst spiritual leaders  as a pioneer through his passion for blending contemplation and social justice. . He set a precedent for integrating spirituality with social justice advocacy. 


Thurman grew up in the years of unapologetic Southern segregation and vile, blatant racism. He wrestled with defining  a system of Christianity that combatted this social dilemma. He grappled with conceptualizations of Christian and biblical teachings that were complicit with laws, social structures, theology, and economic policies that vehemently dehumanized a large swath of humankind and the Christian community. He did not understand professed Christians who advocated racial segregation, discrimination, violence, and lynching of African Americans and other people of color. Direct agents of oppression believed that God sanctioned their behavior. Thurman’'s writings voice the pain of living under the pain of segregation. “[4]

“There are few things more devastating than to have it burned into you that you do not count and that no provisions are made for the literal protection of your person. The threat of violence is ever-present, and there is no way to determine precisely when it may come crashing down upon you.”[5]


The Reverend Dr. D. Darrell Griffin serves as the Senior Pastor of Oakdale Covenant Church in Chicago, Illinois; his pastorate there exceeds a quarter of a century. He is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion. He holds the Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge the Senior Pastor of Oakdale Covenant Church in Chicago, Illinois; his pastorate there exceeds a quarter of a century. He is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion. He holds the Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of two books, Navigating Pastoral Leadership in the Transition Zone: “Arriving in the Middle of a Movie” and Building a Better You: Find Purpose, Healing and Success in Relationships Using the Enneagram! Dr. Griffin is a Spiritual Director, Certified Ministry Coach and Certified Enneagram Trainer.


BlogNotes: 


(1) Rev. Dr. D. Darrell Griffin. The Centering Moment: The Spiritual and Soul Care Practice of Howard W. Thurman. 



(2) Sojourner Truth Speech, 1852


[3] Editor's Note:

The boll weevil is predator insect that destroys cotton crops by eating the buds and flowers


(4) Howard W. Thurman. Jesus and the Disinherited.   Boston. Beacon Press. 1996, pp 39-40. ( This book was originally published in 1949 by Abingdom Press)

(5)Ibid.p.7


Recommended Readings:


Howard W. Thurman. Democracy and the Soul of America.


Howard W. Thurman. Jesus and the Disinherited.


Howard W. Thurman. With Head and Heart: The Autobiography of Howard W. Thurman  

.

Howard W. Thurman. Mysticism and Social Action: Lawrence Lectures and Discussions with Dr. Howard Thurman.


Howard W. Thurman.  Meditations of the Heart.

Luther Smith, Jr. Howard Thurman: Essential  Writings. 


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