Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In his work The Revolutionary Anti-Imperialism of the Apostle Paul, Shahidi Islam analyzes the Apostle Paul's context, proposing he was Black and comparing his struggles with Malcolm X's. Islam critiques traditional Islamic perspectives, arguing for a redefined understanding of God and recognizing Black women as divine, aligning with Tantric practices. He contrasts Paul’s advocacy for self-reliance and community development with modern and socialist ideologies. Paul’s emphasis on love and moral values is examined against Fanon’s militant decolonization, highlighting a complex relationship with imperialism. Islam explores Paul's seemingly contradictory stance on imperial authority and revolutionary teachings and investigates the role of eroticism in empowering Black individuals. The study addresses religious evolution, messianic suppression, and Christian biases, including those against Ali Muhammad.

The Revolutionary Anti-Imperialism of the Apostle Paul by Shahidi Islam takes some time to read, work through, and absorb. This is partly due to the intensity of Islam's writing, which is passionate and unquestionably coming from places of both deep faith and understanding, and also because it is, just by itself, revolutionary in what it conveys. That's not to say I agree with everything that Islam is presenting, but that just his putting it out there feels like a radical act. And by radical, I mean courageous and powerful. The work is exhaustively researched and Islam backs much of his words up with other recorded works, and while the context might be subjective when considered by an open, rational mind, the scale frequently leans in his direction. From a literary standpoint, the writing is what I would best describe as conversationally academic. It is weighty but also accessible, and as a result, I think Islam's work will be understood by more readers. Overall, this is a thoughtful and intelligently written piece. Recommended.