Deryl Davis

Having recently read Howard Thurman's book "Jesus and the Disinherited," I found this 57-minute documentary an interesting overview of Thurman's life and worth watching. It provides much information about his life that helps to understand his views on Jesus, on Christianity, and on religion in general -- from the early influences of his formerly enslaved grandmother to his time as dean of Boston University's Marsh Chapel. Thurman notably had a great influence on the civil rights movement in show more the United States, compelling many of its leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., and John Lewis to focus on a nonviolent approach to achieving change. show less

"Backs Against The Wall: The Howard Thurman Story explores the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the most important religious figures of the 20th century. Born the grandson of slaves, Thurman became a "spiritual foundation" for the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring many of its leaders including Martin Luther King, Jr, Jesse Jackson and Congressman John Lewis. In the mid-1930s, Thurman was the first Black American invited to meet Mohandas Gandhi who shared his strategy of non-violent show more resistance. Gandhi suggested it would be through the African-American experience that the non-violence resistance movement could take on global significance. When Thurman returned to America, his writings and speeches planted the early seeds for the non-violent Civil Rights Movement. Thurman is also remembered for helping launch The Fellowship Church for All People in San Francisco, a pioneering venture to create the nation's first interracial, intercultural church community. Thurman was a gifted and prolific writer who authored more than 20 books and celebrated as one of the great preachers of his era."--Journey Films website. show less