The 12-year-old Boy in the Closing Chapter of 'Coming of Age in Mississippi'

Remembering Dr. Gene Young

By Roscoe Barnes III
Chairman, Anne Moody History Project
Copyright (c) 2019

#AnneMoody

Dr. Gene Young (1951-2011)
Photo by Frost Illustrated newspaper

When you read the final chapter of Anne Moody's book, Coming of Age in Mississippi, you see a 12-year-old boy named Gene Young. He's sitting on a bus and calling out to Moody.

"Hey Moody! C'mon get on, we're going to Washington!" Moody recalled. When she sat down and closed her eyes, Young got her attention.

"C'mon, Annie Moody, wake up! Get the Spirit on!" little Gene yelled right in my ear. I opened my eyes and looked at him.

Young is one of many immortalized by Moody. On the pages of her book, she gave us the names and stories of many unsung heroes. The longevity of her memoir means their stories will not be forgotten. In her own way, and possibly without realizing what she was doing, she cemented their place in history. Whenever and wherever her story is told, their names will be noted along with hers.

Young, who went on to earn a doctorate, spent most of his life fighting for freedom, justice and equality. He became a lecturer and prominent speaker. He participated in a number of historic cases involving the struggle for civil rights. Young died of cancer March 30, 2011 at the age of 60.

Below are a few links that present stories and interesting tidbits of information on his life history. Check them out.

Gene C. Young, Ph.D.
(1951 — 2011)
Visit: https://www.crmvet.org/vet/youngg.htm

Gene Young
Jackson Free Press
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Visit: http://m.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2010/sep/01/gene-young/

Gene Young (His Passing)
Jackson Free Press
Monday, April 4, 2011
Visit: http://m.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2011/apr/04/gene-young/

Dr. Gene Young to bring legacy of activism to MLK Club's Unity Day Celebration
Visit: http://dev.little.am/frostillustrated.com/atf.php-sid=8176.html

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Want to know more about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of

important events in her life history!

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For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here.
Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III Ph.D. via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

Anne Moody History Ad to Appear in 2019 School Yearbook

Full Page Prepared for Wilkinson County School District in Southwest Mississippi

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Chairman, Anne Moody History Project
Copyright (c) 2019

#AnneMoody

This full-page ad will appear in the 2019 Wilkinson County School District Yearbook. It was purchased by the Anne Moody History Project.

#AnneMoody #ComingOfAgeinMississippi #CivilRights #BlackHistory #BlkTwitterstorians #Mississippi #WomensHistory #HBCU #Tougaloo

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Want to know more about Anne Moody?

Visit here to see the timeline of important events in her life history!

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For more information: 
See the Anne Moody page here. Questions about the Anne Moody History Project may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III Ph.D. via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com For updates on Anne Moody history and the on-going work of this community service project, simply follow this blog or follow AMHP on Twitter (@AnneMoodyHP). #ComingOfAgeinMississippi

‘F.F. Bosworth History’ on Twitter: New Account Shares Original Content on the author of ‘Christ the Healer’

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind 'Christ the Healer'
Copyright (c) 2019

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

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I’m excited to introduce “F.F. Bosworth History” on Twitter. I urge you to follow this new account, using the handle, @bosworth_fred, for news, research, and commentary on the life history of FredFrancis (“F.F.”) Bosworth.

This is the only Twitter account devoted exclusively to the life and ministry of Bosworth, author of Christ the Healer. Since January 2018, I have been tweeting about the evangelist on my personal Twitter account (@Roscoebarnes3), but now I’ve opened this separate account that will focus only on Bosworth’s story. I will continue to share material on Bosworth on my personal account, along with other tweets about other topics. But @bosworth_fred is created as the essential Twitter platform for all things Bosworth and nothing else.

The account may be seen as an extension my blog, Bosworth Matters, which can be view here: http://ffbosworth.strikingly.com/. The URL for “F.F. Bosworth History” on Twitter is https://twitter.com/bosworth_fred.

If you have an interest in Pentecostalism, church history, revival movements, or divine healing, then you will appreciate the tweets that will be shared. I hope you will also share this content by retweets or other means with your friends, family, followers and colleagues. Help us get the word out on Bosworth’s important and lasting contribution to church history.

As always, if you have any questions about my work on Bosworth, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email (doctorbarnes3@gmail.com), Twitter, this blog or other social media platforms.

When searching for my work on Bosworth on various platforms, follow these hashtags:

#FFBosworth #ChristTheHealer #Pentecostal #ChurchHistory #BosworthMatters #AssembliesOfGod #CFNI #ORU #Evangelicals

Only a limited amount of my work is currently on Facebook. The reason is that I have taken a break from that particular platform.

  

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer," can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

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Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com 

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For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention

Readers in New Zealand Find My Article on Islam

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Copyright (c) 2019

#Christchurch
#NewZealand

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A short time ago, while visiting my page on Academia.edu, I discovered readers in Christchurch, New Zealand had just downloaded my newspaper article, "Dove sculptures at school: Traditional symbol of peace sparks fierce battle over Islamic religion."

The piece was first published in 2000 -- almost 20 years ago -- by Public Opinion in Chambersburg, Pa. It continues to generate interest. I hope the readers in New Zealand find hope, peace, and light as they read and discuss my small contribution.

I invite you to follow these hashtags:

#ChristChurch #Islam #Muslim #Mosque #NewZealand #NewZealandTerroristAttack #NewZealandShootings #ChristchurchShootings

The article can be read here or by following this link:

https://www.academia.edu/2329400/Dove_sculptures_at_school_Traditional_symbol_of_peace_sparks_fierce_battle_over_Islamic_religion

Was F.F. Bosworth Ever Tarred and Feathered?

A Look at a Statement in Edith L. Blumhofer's book, 'Restoring the Faith'

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind 'Christ the Healer'
Copyright (c) 2019

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

In her highly regarded book, Restoring the Faith (University of Illinois Press, 1993), Dr. Edith L. Blumhofer wrote about the early years of F.F. Bosworth's ministry. In a section that included a brief list of his experiences, she suggested, among other things, that he was tarred and feathered. But was she correct? Here's what she wrote:

In 1918 Fred Francis Bosworth was among the best known men in the Assemblies of God. Former director of Zion City's award-winning band, Bosworth had embraced Pentecostal teaching during Parham's visit to Zion City in 1906. Shortly thereafter, Bosworth launched a career as an evangelist. He suffered deprivation and persecution; in one eventful campaign he had been tarred and feathered by a mob opposed to his meetings.

Blumhofer's statement is questionable, given what we know about Bosworth's persecution. Did she mean tarred and feathered in a figurative sense? If so, there isn't a problem. But if she used the expression in a literal sense, then her statement invites a few questions. For instance, when and where did the incident take place? What's the source for this information?

Bosworth has described his mob encounter in Hearne, Texas, where he was brutally beaten because of his preaching to a black audience. He wrote a letter about the incident in which he gave many details. But no where in the letter did he mention tar and feathers.

Unfortunately, Blumhofer did not provide a citation for her statement. Perhaps she was thinking of Bosworth's friend, Cyrus B. Fockler, who came close to being tarred and feathered in July 1900 in Mansfield, Ohio, when he was rescued by police from an angry mob. According to some reports, he had been tarred when police arrived. Is it possible that Blumhofer simply confused the two men? It is possible, but also doubtful. It was more likely an oversight.

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer," can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention

Bosworth Blamed Charles Parham

He Criticized Him for His 'Wrong and Unscriptural" Teachings on Speaking in Tongues

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind 'Christ the Healer'
Copyright (c) 2019

#FFBosworth
#CharlesParham
#BosworthMatters

Charles F. Parham
(1873-1929)

When F.F. Bosworth resigned from the Assemblies of God on July 24, 1918 over the issue of evidential tongues, he did not go quietly into the night. Instead, he wrote a blistering "Open Letter" in which he accused Pentecostals of being misguided in some of their beliefs and interpretations of the Bible.

Bosworth adamantly opposed the view that the "speaking in tongues" in Acts was separate and distinct from the gift of tongues in First Corinthians. Bosworth also disagreed with the view that "speaking in tongues" was the initial evidence of Spirit baptism for all believers. Bosworth described both views as "doctrinal error," and he laid the responsibility for that "error" at the feet of Charles F. Parham. Insisting there was no biblical support for the Pentecostal views, Bosworth wrote:

Charles F. Parham, who came forward with this doctrine in the year 1900, is the first man in the history of the world to publicly teach it. He saw that it was not possible to teach that speaking in tongues will in every case accompany the Baptism in the Spirit, unless he could make it appear that the speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost was something separate and distinct from the gift of tongues at Corinth. He is also the first man in the history of the world to teach that none have ever been baptized in the Spirit except those who have spoken in tongues.

To strengthen his point, Bosworth made a comparison of Parham with respected soul-winners in the past:

The facts are that hundreds of the greatest soul-winners of the whole Christian era, without the gift of tongues, have had a much greater enduement of power and have been used to accomplish a much greater and deeper work than Mr. Parham.

Before his resignation, Bosworth served as a founding minister of the AG. He also founded the First Assembly of God Church in Dallas, Texas. But unlike many Pentecostal leaders, he believed that people could be baptized in the Spirit without speaking in tongues. In his view, prophecy or any of the other spiritual gifts could be evidence of Spirit baptism.

Bosworth had his own Pentecostal experience in October 1906 following a visit by Parham to Zion City, Ill. Bosworth spoke in tongues at that time and he continued to speak in tongues on a regular basis. "Let it not be supposed that I am depreciating God's glorious gift of tongues because I do not believe that this one manifestation always accompanies the baptism in the Spirit," he shared in his letter. "God graciously gave me this gift many years ago and nearly every day in prayer and worship I still speak in tongues, and it is one of the sweetest things in my Christian experience."

Bosworth used his letter to refute some of the core teachings of the AG and other Pentecostals on Spirit baptism and speaking in tongues. He published his letter with the title, "Do All Speak With Tongues? — An Open Letter to the Ministers and Saints of the Pentecostal Movement." The letter, which was widely read, appeared in the 1920s as a chapter in Bosworth's biography, Joybringer Bosworth, and as an article on the pages of Word and Witness. It also appeared as a booklet published by The Christian Alliance Publishing Company. John J. Scruby published it in the 1930s. Historians point to Bosworth's resignation and the publication of his "Open Letter" as important moments in Pentecostal church history.

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention

Donald Gee's Unflattering Mention of F.F. Bosworth

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer

Copyright (c) 2019

#FFBosworth

#DonaldGee

Donald Gee (1891-1966)

In his excellent book, The Healer-Prophet William Marrion Branham: A Study of the Prophetic in American Pentecostalism (Mercer University Press, 2000), Dr. C. Douglas Weaver shared an unfavorable comment about F.F.Bosworth that was attributed to Donald Gee. The comment appeared as a footnote in Chapter Three, which is titled, “Branham and the Healing Revival, 1947-1955.” It followed Weaver’s description of William Branham’s evangelistic campaigns in South Africa in 1952. The campaign was considered a major success by Bosworth and others, including Gordon Lindsay. Weaver cited Joseph D. Mattsson-Boze who called the South Africa meetings “the greatest outpouring of the Holy Ghost that that country has ever seen.”

In the footnote to that comment, Weaver wrote: "Donald Gee cited a report of F.F. Bosworth about the South Africa campaign to point out the tendency of deliverance evangelists to exaggerate their claims for the sake of propaganda." Weaver’s source for the claim of exaggeration is Gee’s book, Wind and Flame (Heath Press, Ltd., 1967). Gee was a noted author, prolific writer, respected pastor and conference speaker. He helped to establish the Assemblies of God in Great Britain and Ireland in 1924. He wrote well-reasoned articles about Pentecost and the divine healing movement. Generally astute and balanced in his judgment, Gee did not shy away from presenting constructive criticism when and where he felt it was due.

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“It has to be confessed that in a few regrettable cases commercialism vitiated the testimony.” -- Donald Gee

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In Gee’s view, the most prominent evangelistic healing campaigns of the 1950s were held by American revivalists whose ministries were “accompanied by a flood of propaganda, especially as they reached out beyond the United States.” Gee, who was sometimes direct and scholarly in his critiques, believed there was a place for mass evangelistic campaigns and divine healing. He voiced concern, however, about some of the practices of the healing evangelists. “It has to be confessed that in a few regrettable cases commercialism vitiated the testimony,” he asserted. “The tragic volume of human physical suffering tempts exploitation by those who claim power to heal.”

Image taken from Amazon.com

While he conceded some of the preachers “brought undoubted blessing to multitudes,” he also believed some of them made exaggerated claims about miracles and the success of their respective ministries. His comments about Bosworth are presented in the excerpt that follows.

Excerpt from Wind and Flame

As typical of these campaigns, I have before me some extracts from the diary of F.F. Bosworth, published in the Herald of Faith, relative to meetings in South Africa which he visited with William Branham and Earn Baxter. He wrote – “At the hotel in Durban this morning there was just one subject – the wonderful meetings on Sunday … The meetings in the race course cannot be described. Some estimated the crowd in my meeting at 10.30 a.m. to be from 80,000 to 100,000 … Last night’s meeting was the most wonderful service Brother Branham ever had. Thousands were in tears. The love of God seemed to fill the atmosphere of the entire race track. It melted all hearts to tears. I saw Indian mothers holding their babies and weeping with their hearts melted to love and worship … Seeing this multitude during three short showers with no shelter over them, and hearing them sing like angels, melted Brother Branham. The love and worship were beyond anything that can be described.

“Miracles were wrought as Brother Branham pointed them out in all directions. And then came the committal and mass prayer when Brother Branham rose to the greatest height of his life as in a moment, when he reached his last word, it seemed as if heaven fell on the people and God healed thousands all at the same time. Those with club feet, others paralyzed, some that had never walked from birth, that were closest to the platform climbed the steps to show the audience what God had done for them. A sea of people in all directions stood to give their hearts to Christ, Thousands of Indians and natives among them. Many times the 3,000 converted on the Day of Pentecost responded to Brother Baxter’s appeal to accept Christ”.

Donald Gee’s assessment

Admittedly these are the words of enthusiasm, but they were not written for publication, but for a relative in the U.S.A. Such crowds, and such ministry, produces many resultant problems before those professing conversion begin to become disciples and are shepherded into assemblies of God’s people. Many never go further than the excitement of the campaign, but at any rate a mass of raw spiritual material is gathered for pastoral care and teaching. The more regular and less spectacular aspects of the Movement provide greater permanent results. But all have had their place.

Gee was a man of deliberate thought. He was known for being lucid and quite persuasive in his commentary. However, his perspective on this topic seems lacking. A key reason is that he made a claim by implication without providing any hard evidence. Yes, he presented excerpts from Bosworth's letter (which was published as a report), but he did not explain why he questioned Bosworth’s report or why he situated his report in a section of the book that highlighted concerns about healing evangelists. Without evidence, one is left to see Gee's claim or assertion as merely an opinion and not a statement of fact.

To be fair, however, Gee did not actually say that Bosworth made exaggerated claims. Instead, he used Bosworth's letter to address the challenge of discipleship when seeking to help new converts in mass evangelistic meetings. Since he cited the letter in the very section where he wrote about "propaganda" and "commercialism" in healing ministries, it is not surprising that his depiction of Bosworth is viewed in a negative light.

In the section in question, which is titled, “The Problem and Power of Propaganda,” Gee began his argument by presenting his concerns about the ministry practices of healing revivalists. He immediately followed that material with Bosworth’s letter using the following words: “As typical of these campaigns, I have before me some extracts from the diary of F.F. Bosworth.” That line, in my view, placed Bosworth in the company of people who erred in some way, the people that Gee had just criticized.

Some readers, understandably, might also derive the idea of "exaggeration" from Gee's statement at the end of Bosworth’s letter: "Admittedly these are the words of enthusiasm." That line may have been a statement of truth, but in my opinion, it also implies an element of doubt about Bosworth’s claims.

Gee’s overall assessment of Bosworth’s report may have been accurate and on point. However, his argument is weakened by a lack of pertinent information that could be found in answers to the following questions:

Did he check the numbers mentioned in Bosworth report? Was he present in the meetings? Did he acquire images of the meetings or reports that contradict Bosworth's letter? Did he seek to verify Bosworth's numbers by checking with reliable sources in South Africa? Did he ask Bosworth about the accuracy of his numbers and claims?

Unfortunately, the answer to each of those questions is probably “No.” While Gee’s concern about discipleship and mass campaigns is laudable, reports (by implication or otherwise) of Bosworth making exaggerated claims, at least in Wind and Flame, seem to be without merit.

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter.
#ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention

F.F. Bosworth and Gordon Lindsay to be Featured in ‘Brill’s Encyclopedia of Global Pentecostalism’

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind ‘Christ the Healer’

Copyright © 2019

#FFBosworth

#BosworthMatters

In late January 2019, I received an invitation to write an article on F.F. Bosworth, and a separate one on Gordon Lindsay, for Brill’s Encyclopedia of Global Pentecostalism (BEGP). My articles will basically provide an overview – a short biography -- of the two Pentecostal pioneers.

The BEGP is expected to see publication in 2020, according to Dr. Michael Wilkinson, who serves as General Editor for the volume. The Associate Editors are Connie Au of Hong Kong, Jörg Haustein of London, Todd Johnson of Boston, and Erica Ramirez of Portland.

Wilkinson has noted the “volume will be organized around countries, movements, biographies, and themes. Contributors will be diverse from a range of disciplines and various countries around the world.” The work will be cross-cultural and transnational, he explained.

In terms of the scope of the publication, Wilkinson provided the following description:

Brill’s Encyclopedia of Global Pentecostalism (BEGP) will provide a comprehensive overview of worldwide Pentecostalism from a range of disciplinary perspectives. It will offer analysis at the level of specific countries and regions, historical figures, movements and organizations, and particular topics and themes.

Pentecostal Studies draws upon areas of research such as anthropology, biblical studies, economics, gender studies, global studies, history, political science, sociology, theological studies, and other areas of related interest. The BEGP will emphasize this multi-disciplinary approach and include scholarship from a range of disciplines, methods, and theoretical perspectives.

Wilkinson suggested this new volume will become the “the standard reference for Pentecostal Studies.”

I must say that I am not only pleased, but really excited about this opportunity to make a contribution to this important work in Pentecostalism. It is also an honor to be in good company with so many highly regarded historians and scholars. 

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter.

#ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention

Questions about F.F. Bosworth's 'Christ the Healer'

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer
Copyright (c) 2019

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

NOTE: A reader of my blog, Bosworth Matters, recently contacted me via email with questions about F.F. Bosworth's teachings on divine healing. The reader asked for my personal opinion of Christ the Healer and my thoughts about whether I would recommend the book. After answering the questions and emailing them to the reader, I thought it would be good to share the content here. Of course, I've omitted the reader's name. The discussion follows.

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Dear Reader,

Thank you for your email about F.F. Bosworth and his book, Christ the Healer.

It is good that you have questions about his teachings on divine healing. After all, none of us should believe everything we read, even if we’re reading someone we admire.

I will begin by saying I do NOT agree with all of Bosworth’s teachings on divine healing. I believe he was mightily used of God in the ministry of healing and that over a million people came to Christ through his ministry. However, being human, he did not have a perfect understanding of all Bible doctrines, something which can be said of many if not most of us. In my opinion, his theology of divine healing, while inspiring and seemingly accurate on the surface, was also lacking in some areas.

Now to your questions.

QUESTION #1:
Regarding the chapter 'Paul's Thorn,' is it exegetically sound and consistent? In other words, are the Scriptures referenced, used in a Christ-centered and solid Bible-based way, or are some verses taken out of context?

ANSWER: Bosworth’s argument about “Paul’s Thorn” is commonly used by Pentecostals, charismatics, and adherents of Word of Faith teachings. However, I do not believe it is, to use your words, “exegetically sound and consistent.” I also do not find it convincing. Some advocates of Bosworth’s view would have you believe that while Paul suffered unspeakable torture and pain via persecution for many years, he did not have headaches, colds, flu virus, or other ailments. They would also argue that if he got sick, he was healed every time. But such a view is mere speculation, and it is not suggested or supported by Scripture. We must keep in mind that Bosworth was not a Bible scholar and he did not have formal training in biblical studies or in theology. He was undoubtedly a good and effective teacher, but not perfect. I also believe that he sometimes used verses out of context. I've been guilty of the same.

QUESTION #2:

Regarding the chapter 'Did Jesus Redeem Us from our Diseases when he Atoned For our Sins,' I am asking the same questions as in 1).

ANSWER: I believe that Christ redeemed us from all sin, but that doesn’t mean we are or can be sinless perfect; I also believe he redeemed us from sickness and disease, but that doesn’t mean we go through life without any ailments. The full redemption occurs when Christ returns, at which time we will be totally and completely free of all sin and all sickness and disease.

QUESTION #3:
Regarding the chapter "Why some Fail to receive Healing from Christ - Twenty-two Reasons for Failure to be Healed," I have the same questions as in 1).

ANSWER: Some of the reasons given seem sound and logical. However, it would have helped if he had also stated, “We don’t know” about certain cases. Everything in life is not concrete or black and white; some things are gray, so to speak. God is all-knowing and sovereign. He does not always choose to reveal his will or reasons to us. If we're honest, we have to admit that some things are indeed a mystery.

QUESTION #4:
Lastly, do you see any problems or have any reservations regarding "Christ the Healer" by F.F. Bosworth?

ANSWER: I would not hesitate to recommend Bosworth's book. However, I would advise against using this book as the ONLY book on divine healing. It’s OK as a starting point, but you would be better off reading additional books on the topic. Remember, God did not give all of his knowledge on the subject to one man. You will grow in your knowledge by reading and learning from other writers. For example, you could also read:

Pentecostal Healing by Kimberly Ervin Alexander

Healing and Suffering: Biblical and Pastoral Reflections by Keith Warrington 

Power Healing by John Wimber

Power Evangelism by John Wimber

By His Stripes by Hugh Jeter

Healing by Francis MacNutt

Healing en Masse by T.L. Osborn

The Power to Heal by Francis MacNutt

Healing the Sick by T.L. Osborn

The Real Faith by Charles Price

From the Pinnacle of the Temple by Charles Farah Jr.

Does Christ Heal Today? by P.C. Nelson

The Gospel of Healing by A.B. Simpson

The Ministry of Healing: Miracles of Cure in All Ages by A.J. Gordon

Divine Healing by Andrew Murray

Divine Healing: Does God Perform Miracles Today? by R.A. Torrey

Prayer: Asking and Receiving by John R. Rice

The Charismatic Movement by John R. Rice

I trust that you will find this information useful. Let me know if you have other questions.

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Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind Christ the Healer, can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to know more

about F.F. Bosworth?

Follow the Bosworth Matters blog!

See it here:

ffbosworth.strikingly.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter.

#ChristTheHealer #BosworthMatters #BosworthMention

Sharon Burnette Bell's M.A. Thesis on Anselm J. Finch

Why It Needs to Be Published

By Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D.
Chairman, Anne Moody History Project
Copyright (c) 2019

#AnneMoody

Anselm Joseph Finch

I would love to see Sharon Burnette Bell's M.A. thesis published. It's titled, Anselm Joseph Finch: Mississippian and Life Long Educator (Jackson State University, 1976). Finch was Principal Willis in Anne Moody's book, Coming of Age in Mississippi, a fact that most people don't know. Since Bell did not mention Moody in her research, it's possible that she did not know of his connection to Coming of Age.

Given what we now know about Moody changing the names of people in her book, Bell's work would be a significant contribution to research on Moody, Mississippi, and civil rights.

A university press would probably be the ideal publisher for Bell's work. I would gladly write a Foreword to give context and show relation to Coming of Age.

For more on Finch as Principal Willis, see these links on the Roscoe Reporting blog:

Siblings of Anne Moody: ‘Principal Willis was Mr. Anselm J. Finch’: Family Confirms Name of the Founder of Willis High in Coming of Age in Mississippi. See here or follow this link:
http://roscoereporting.blogspot.com/2018/10/siblings-of-anne-moody-principal-willis.html

The Sphinx’s Profile of Anselm Joseph Finch: A Positive Look at The Man Who Appears as “Principal Willis” in Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi. See here or follow this link:
http://roscoereporting.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-sphinxs-profile-of-anselm-joseph.html

Another Look at Anselm J. Finch, aka Mr. Willis, in Coming of Age in Mississippi: The Controversial Principal Wrote a Letter about 'Preparation' in 1964 School Yearbook. See here or follow this link:
http://roscoereporting.blogspot.com/2018/04/another-look-at-anselm-j-finch-aka-mr.html

"Turn around, Queen, look at yourself": A Look at Eunice N. Finch as Mrs. Willis in Coming of Age in Mississippi. See here or follow this link:
http://roscoereporting.blogspot.com/2018/04/turn-around-queen-look-at-yourself.html

My first discovery:

The 'Uncle Tom' Principal in Coming of Age in Mississippi: A Look at Anselm J. Finch. See here or follow this link:
http://roscoereporting.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-uncle-tom-principal-in-coming-of.html