Macky Alston reviews the film This Far By Faith

This Far By Faith

This Far by Faith explores the heart and soul of African-American faith in six hours of dramatic storytelling that chronicles religion in the Black experience from the days of slavery to the battle for equal rights. For pastoral caregivers, this comprehensive and in-depth series provides an engaging resource for education and inspiration.

The series covers the evolution of African-American religious thought and G_d as a Negro, then journeys from the rural South to the industrial North through the stories of gospel music pioneer Thomas A. Dorsey and urban church activist Cecil Williams. The second half of the series focuses on Jim Crow and the civil rights movement, the paths of those African Americans who find spiritual fulfillment outside of Christianity and, finally, an interfaith pilgrimage from Massachusetts to Senegal via New Orleans and the Caribbean.

It’s noted in the series that in many African cultures there is no word for G_d, because G_d is in every thing and every place. As we enter the 21st century, This Far by Faith leaves open the question of whether Black churches can retain their centrality in the struggle for equality and dignity in this country.

This Far by Faith is a co-production of Blackside, Inc., and The Faith Project, Inc. produced in association with The Independent Television Service
Completed: 2003
Running Time: 360 Minutes
Producers: W. Noland Walker, June Cross, Leslie D. Farrell, Valerie Linson, Alice Markowitz, Lulie Haddad
Executive Producer: June Cross

If you are interested in purchasing this film, you can do so on the Hartley Film Foundation Web site at www.hartleyfoundation.org. Just click on “Masterworks” on the homepage for more information. The cost for the six-part VHS/DVD series is $199.95.

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