For centuries, the myth of the “curse of Ham” has been used to justify countless atrocities against Africa and her children. In The Blessing of Africa (InterVarsity Press), Keith Augustus Burton confronts this dangerous fable as he demonstrates the contribution of Africa and Africans to the development and maintenance of the Bible. Burton challenges conventional thinking about Africa and offers fresh insights that will change the way the Bible and Judeo-Christian history are viewed.

This extensively researched book has received positive plaudits from experts in various disciplines. Fuller Theological Seminary’s Professor Jehu J. Hanciles concludes “…the case for a fresh look at the significance of Africans in the biblical record and the impact of the Bible on the African story is convincingly made”; and Dr. Knut Holter of the School of Mission and Theology in Norway calls it “…an important attempt at giving a historical survey of the role of the Bible in Africa.”

African scholars are especially thrilled, with the University of Nairobi’s Professor J. Mugambi affirming the book as “very creatively crafted, well written, and adequately documented,” while predicting, “No reader will be disappointed after perusing its lucid pages.” The thought is echoed by online reviewer Dr. Nicholas Oyugi who writes, “…this book remains a wonderful resource to students of church history and students of the Bible in general.” With these sentiments, it comes as no surprise that Professor Ukachukwu Chris Manus of Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University heralds it “a landmark publication.”

Media personalities have also been impacted by The Blessing of Africa with Lesley Hurst of Florida’s WAFG admitting that she was “glued to the book,” and Kim Jeffries of KTIS in St. Paul lauding the work as “a fascinating volume.” Sharon Kay of WFSK has been so impressed with the contents that she has featured Dr. Burton on her program three times.

With its portrayal of Islam as a Christian sect and insights into Ethiopian Christianity, The Blessing of Africa will undoubtedly be the subject of many more reviews. The book is available online and through major bookstores.

Burton, Keith Augustus (2007). The Blessing of Africa: The Bible and African Christianity. InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 978-0-8308276-2-5

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More information about the book (excerpts, table of contents, etc.) is available at the publisher’s website (www.ivpress.com) or the author’s website (www.keithaburton.com). For interviews with the author or to secure promotional copies of The Blessing of Africa please contact Dr. Burton’s publicist, Krista Carnet (kkcarnet@ivpress.com).

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