Christian and Islamic mysticisms make as their goal to achieve greater union with God. These forms of spirituality tend towards an individualistic interpretation of this goal. An individual privately seeks a mystic union with God. In contrast, African mysticism has traditionally been rooted in benefiting the community. Union with God is seen as benefitting the entire group. Contemporary African-American religion combines both of these approaches in an approach Therese Taylor-Stinson calls “public mysticism.” She explores this theme in this devotional book that walks through the spirituality of the great Harriet Tubman of Underground Railroad fame.
This book is a devotional and not a history nor a biography. Those looking for a straightforward treatment on the life of Harriet Tubman will be disappointed. Instead, this work meditates upon her life using contemporary concepts of spirituality and broadly religious practices. Although Taylor-Stinson is a Presbyterian, the tenor of the book is simply monotheistic and could be used by a Muslim, Christian, Jew, or agnostic.
As with a lot of devotionals, the wording can be a bit repetitious and verbose. Taylor-Stinson adds a section at the end of each chapter which transforms a concept (the subject of the chapter) into a practice, such as reading a song, writing a poem, or taking a spiritual walk. These practices are not focused on one specific religion but are more about communing with yourself, the universe, and if so inclined, the Creator of the universe.
My biggest criticism of this book comes in its form. I’m not sure there is enough variation in the life of Tubman to make a multifaceted devotional book out of it. The concepts of “public mystic” and “freedom fighter” are helpful, but these two concepts over the course of a book can come out a bit thin and repetitive. Taylor-Stinson attempts to supplement Tubman with another African-American public mystic Howard Thurman. Although this general approach investigates the themes differently, it makes the subject matter swerve off the course of Tubman’s life. Perhaps a devotional with one chapter devoted to one particular figure would be better.
Overall, those inclined to seeing religion’s impact on civil rights and communal justice will appreciate this book’s approach. Also, those interested in seeing different forms of spirituality than their own will benefit from the broad perspectives offered here. Even those who may not be traditionally religious but are open to a broad spirituality will find much to appreciate. If Harriet Tubman found some degree of external and internal freedom despite tremendous challenges of racism, disability, and misogyny, then we can benefit from following her example today.
Walking the Way of Harriet Tubman: Public Mystic and Freedom Fighter
By Therese Taylor-Stinson
Copyright (c) 2023
Broadleaf Books
ISBN13 9781506478333
Page Count: 172
Genre: Spirituality, Devotional
www.amazon.com