In and Out of This World: Material and Extraterrestrial Bodies in the Nation of Islam

Stephen C. Finley's book "In and Out of This World" explores the religious practices and discourses of the Nation of Islam (NOI) in America, showing how the NOI used religious symbols, rituals, and mythologies to recast the meaning of the cosmos and create new transcendent and immanent black bodies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Duke University Press

Stephen C. Finley delves into the intricate tapestry of religious practices and discourses that have shaped the Nation of Islam (NOI) in America. Through a meticulous examination of the speeches and writings of influential figures like Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, Warith Deen Mohammad, and Louis Farrakhan, Finley unveils the profound ways in which the NOI and its leaders employed a diverse array of religious symbols, rituals, and mythologies to reimagine the essence of the cosmos and forge new transcendent and immanent black bodies that defy reduction to mere products of racism. Whether exploring how the myth of Yakub served as a framework for Elijah Muhammad to explain the violence directed at black bodies, how Malcolm X made the black bodies within the NOI publicly visible, or how Farrakhan's discourses on his encounters with the Mother Wheel UFO structured his interpretation of black bodies, Finley showcases the unwavering intention of the NOI to reclaim, reform, and revitalize black bodies amidst the backdrop of antiblack violence.

This profound exploration of religious practices and discourses within the NOI sheds light on the intricate ways in which faith and ideology intertwine to shape the experiences and identities of black individuals. Finley's analysis reveals the NOI's deliberate efforts to reclaim and redefine black bodies in the face of systemic oppression and violence, highlighting the organization's commitment to creating a new vision of blackness that transcends the limitations imposed by racism. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Finley provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics between religion, race, and identity in American society.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478018773