Black Hebrew Israelites

Black Hebrew Israelites are a non-homogenous religious movement. This means they are made of many different groups. These groups share a central belief about their ancestry. They claim that African Americans are descendants of the ancient Israelites. Some sub-groups also believe this includes indigenous peoples of the Americas and Latin America.

Most members identify as Black Hebrews or Hebrew Israelites. They do not identify as Jews. They operate outside the boundaries of mainstream Judaism. They do not meet criteria like matrilineal descent or formal conversion. They also exist outside the doctrinal boundaries of Nicene Christianity.

The movement's teachings are a complex mix of different sources. They use their own interpretations of Christianity and Judaism. Some beliefs are also influenced by Freemasonry and New Thought. These groups often select elements of Judaism. They then adapt them into structures similar to the Black church. This creates a unique religious mechanism. They blend ancient traditions with new cultural identities. This process helps them form a distinct spiritual community.

History shows the movement began in the late 19th century. Two men were key to its origin. Frank Cherry claimed to receive visions from God. He established the Church of the Living God in 1886. He taught that the earth was square and surrounded by three layers of heaven. Cherry also taught that Jesus would return in the year AD 2000. He taught his followers to pray toward the east. He also forbade the playing of the piano and the collection of tithes.

Another founder was William Saunders Crowdy. He founded the Church of God and Saints of Christ in 1896. He claimed God told him African Americans are descendants of the Hebrews. These early groups spread from Kansas to New York City. They were founded by African Americans and West Indian immigrants.

Many distinct types of groups have emerged over time. The Church of the Living God is the oldest known group. It was founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Church of God and Saints of Christ is one of the largest. It began in Lawrence, Kansas. It later moved its headquarters to Philadelphia and then Washington, D.C.

Another notable group is the Commandment Keepers. Wentworth Arthur Matthew founded this group in Harlem in 1919. He was an emigrant from Saint Kitts. He also established the Ethiopian Hebrew Rabbinical College in Brooklyn. The African Hebrew Israelites are another type. Many members moved from the United States to Israel in the late 20th century.

The significance of these groups can be seen in their growth. By the mid-1980s, there were between 25,000 and 40,000 Black Hebrews in the United States. The Church of God and Saints of Christ grew very large. In 1936, it had over 200 tabernacles and 37,000 members. This shows how much the movement expanded. These numbers reflect a significant religious presence in the country. The movement has shaped many local communities through its various congregations.

Specific practices vary greatly between the different sects. The Church of God and Saints of Christ uses both Old and New Testament rites. They celebrate Passover and use the Hebrew calendar. They also observe the Sabbath on Saturday and practice circumcision. Their New Testament rites include baptism and footwashing.

The Commandment Keepers were influenced by the Ethiopian Jews, known as the Beta Israel. Wentworth Arthur Matthew taught they were descendants of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. However, some sects have faced serious criticism. The Anti-Defamation League notes that some members are outspoken anti-Semites. The Southern Poverty Law Center calls some extremist sects hate groups. They use the term "Radical Hebrew Israelites" to describe these specific groups.

These religious ideas connect to broader social and historical topics. The movement relates to the history of African American identity. It also connects to the study of religious synthesis. This is when people combine different belief systems into one. The movement also touches on themes of diaspora and migration. For example, the move to Israel shows a connection to global movements. Scholars also study these groups to understand historical revisionism. This is because academics have criticized some claims for lacking evidence. The movement remains a complex part of the religious landscape.