Watching "The Far by Faith," I learned that the journey of African-Americans has been one of tremendous challenges, but also of faith and perseverance. The story that particularly moved me was that of Imam Wallace D. Mohammed, because he had the faith and courage to follow his true beliefs, even when it meant turning his back on his family. And in the end he built a spiritual community that has meaning for thousands of people. I actually never knew that most African-American Muslims are not part of the Nation of Islam.

Being a "PK" (pastor's kid), I grew up with certain expectations of "faith," "spirituality," and "religion." In my twenties, I left my little bubble of protection (my parent's home) and was faced with the bigger realities of life. While there is obviously no comparison to the stories of oppression and discrimination depicted in the "Faith" series, I experienced racism and sexism and I often felt lost. I began to question God, I abandoned my religion and tuned my back on spirituality.

Now, in my thirties, I've learned that with the help of my spiritual community family, friends and others who share my faith, I can better face the daily challenges of being a Latina woman. The "This Far by Faith" series reminded me how important that community is in order to overcome obstacles. Unfortunately, I think a lot of people in the US don't want to talk about faith in this way because it forces them to confront the fact that there is still racism in this country, and we still need our faith to overcome it.

This documentary acknowledges the same Spirit of Freedom that we plan to share this weekend at the National Underground Railroad Reunion Festival in Philadelphia (www.undergroundrr.com) Everyone needs to see this documentary in order to search our past for the answers of issues today.

This particular program is of great quality and clarity for me. I appreciate this program to the upmost. The message affirms my ideals about our destiny in the 21st century as a people. I do pray that our leaders of this country will understand and appreciate the value of the African people. As a classroom teacher I would like to see our schools utilize this documentary for classroom instruction, discussion, and writing assignments. Great Job PBS!!

Most people outside the culture and many inside don't realize that our story is as rich as it is. Passing on this information to our children, all children yields some interesting results.It is important that children know about slavery, that they get a sense of what it was like for children their own age to be faced with the reality of being property. The struggle to be free is a classic example of what children need to see at close range so that they can live their lives knowing that freedom has never been nor will it ever be free.

What surprised me about the people you mention who were influential in the evolution of religion for blacks in America was the failure to mention one real muslim. W. D. Muhammad is NOT a good representation of Islam and that he is the only "muslim" you listed is quite shameful.

I believe the PBS programming is excellent in its attempt to inform and educate. I watched the opening program about faith in Black American history and believe that references to Allah and muslim religions by majority blacks are inaccurate and a distortion.The muslim ideology and christianity are alien and different as love and hate . Please dont allow a lie to sound like the truth. I have watched the violent nature of muslims and how they intimidate dissenters.Muslims dont believe in democracy and dont know how to treat others other than in hostility. Jesus believed in love and forgiveness. These concepts are a sign of weakness for Muslims.I know this to be a fact.

Watching, "This Far By Faith," actually made me realize that my ancestors were powerful, spiritual, and that we didn't forget. That G-d was a huge part of our lives from the moment we stepped off the boat. How a strong and tremendous people we are. I want my future children to know that their ancestors didn't just become slaves but the became kindred spirits that fused a dynamic force of what we have become today- free.

Whenever I go the North Carolina I pass the rock where my great grandmother was sold. I am always moved when I pass that spot and wonder what she was thinking, how was she feeling at that moment. I also wonder if I am living the life she envisioned for her decendents; making the most of the freedoms that we have been granted. Something had to sustain her. She had to find some sort of legacy to leave for her children. That legacy was her faith. My mother passed that legacy down to me and my siblings. What else but faith kept men and women alive in the bottom of the ships as they crossed the Atlantic?

I would like to thank the makers of this wonderfull piece of work. I am a black women, born in Aruba Netherlands Antilles, raised in Curacao, out of parents born in Suriname and currently living in the USA for two years. The program reflected the same experiences people of color had in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. I got goosebumps when I heard the prayer of Isabella "Sojourner Truth" who spoke her prayer in Dutch, I had no idea that the majority of slaves in New York spoke Dutch due to their Dutch slave masters. So I would like to thank the makers of this program and the sponsors who made this program possible. I would also like to ask if there is any body out there who knows more about Sojourner Truth and her descendents to contact me at donatep@hotmail.com Thank you!

I think america is too complacent and does not realize the sorrows and trials of others and as so many today will have to wake up sadly when it is too late for change.

I watched on PBS 6/24/03.

I never realized that there was freedom of slaves to worship ( even though it was called secret meetings).

I'm sorry if this comes out to seem offensive to ANYONE, but if America is about freedom, this informed me that there was a straight point trying to be made to white people in slave times that they were the true Christians and their faith was to be recognized as the only way.

Isn't 'OUR' God everyone's God? Countries have fought for years over such things.

I am a woman who has challenges everyday to try and fit into a world of men( black, white, pink, blue,?) But I am free to worship my Lord!!!!! And He will provide . I would like to see a series on how Africa was constructed and why people who beleive in the true teachings of African faith are staying where they have to struggle in this country and not desiring/are they allowed?/and why not going to the place that gives them comfort. I want to just see us all be equal. I quess my whole point is...why continue to stir up what should be old news? To get rid of prejudice, I believe you must get rid of reports from groups that stress color, but only report human conditions. I know my spelling is bad! LOL

This series has been extremely helpful to add historical background to my genealogical reserch for my husband's ancestors. In our family tree we have a minister named Christopher Columbus Ligon who founded a chapel in Nigton, (formerly Niggertown), Texas in the 1870's. The discussion of the role of the church adds life to his name. Thank You, Pat Ligon

It is very difficult for some christian to understand all of Gods people are striving for the same goal.(Repentance)Denominations are of this world. He that is in me,is greater than he that is in the world.

Why is this 3 part series only available for educational use? Why is it not available for purchase by the general public? How are Black people going to raise the level of their individual and collective conscience if the materials and resources to do so are only available to school teachers?

Unfortunately, there is still racism in this country. We need to fix this sitituation in this country. I see it in the Churches, Schools, wherever I go. It is very sad, to call this country "One Nation Under God" and not living by it.

I was a bit surprised that the first two episodes (which were wonderful!) missed the story of the Rev. Lemuel Haynes, likely the first African-American ordained by a mainline church (the Congregational Church in CT in 1785). You can find more on him at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2p29.html He was a clear advocate for African-Americans, though he served mostly white congregations in NY and VT. I read Andrew Young's autobiography a few years back, and was also amazed to learn that more than 500 schools and colleges were started in the post-bellum South by the American Missionary Association (also Congregationalist), which drew on white and black supporters in the north. Colleges like Talladega, Tougaloo, Fisk, and others were started by the AMA.

What I noticed most is that God starts a movement through a chosen person. Then we organize and try to run it and eventually it is ruined. So God has to start another movement. Will we ever learn?

In my opinion, the struggle for identity continues. Much of our current struggle is within our own race. Many Blacks have lost focus. No longer do we strive for the ultimate goal of salvation. We have become side tracted by our own selfish motives to please our own super egos. The desire to become rich and powerful has taken priority over the immediate needs of our fellow brothers and sisters. To do the right thing in our religious community has taken a back seat to celebrating our leaders with large banquets in there honor. Our black communities have taken ten steps backwards, simply because we never really adopted the true concept of the American dream.Certainly we can vote, eat out, go to schools and colleges of choice etc., but what is the Black man or woman's American Dream? The church has always been a meeting place for blacks, but today many black churches are absent of black men and women. When churches do meet in conferences, the main focus is to raise money. There is no true measureable, proactive or intervention programs greared to teaching,encouraging,training, or developing the minds of young black men or women.

My personal goal is to plant seeds by sharing my skills with other Americans of all races in an effort to bridge gaps. Racism have caused black men and white men to miss out on the beauty of what it truly means to be an American. Black and White churches need to work together to bridges many gaps in our community.

I watched this series with my mother. She is 69 and have seen and witnessed a lot of heartache in her life. She has rejected religion as a falsehood. I wish to thank you for giving her the understanding that without religion, man may not ever overcome its inherant negative actions, to see that if one is down then we all are down.

I can certainly identify with Bishop Turner, even today. The Black Church continues to be passive and rejects the pre-civil war zeal that Turner and others attempted to restore.

I was very enlighted to the power of faith. Especially the statement by one of the historians that faith was the reason the African-Americans survived to this day. And in my on opiniion God let Africans be stolen to this Country! We were suppose to be here!

Dr.King said "Let Freedom Ring", and Freedom has rung, cause there is no longer "whites only", "blacks only" signs "physically" displayed now in the 20th century, intergration replaced segregation, etc. Dr.King talked the talk and walked the walk. Now, in the 20th century, I feel blacks must continue to follow the same plan, if not a "greater plan" keeping God first. Complacency, sex, drugs, alcohol, violence,materialism, money, power and wealth has matched the ringing of freedom that it has put invisible ear plugs in the ears of a majority of blacks in 2003. Time is overdue for the removal of these invisible ear plugs, and to turn the volume back up to "Let Freedom Ring".

"This Far by Faith" is an exciting and informative program. I do have a few problems. For example, Henry Ward Beecher was not a Methodist minister. I also seriously doubt the anti-Black quote attributed to him. Among other things, he raised money from his pulpit to buy 'Beecher Bibles' - rifles - to arm anti-slavery people in Kansas, etc. His sister, of course, was Harriet Beecher Stowe. He was an avid abolitionist. There seems to be a tendency in some African-American circles to want to paint friends as enemies. Why is that? It merits a serious psychological study. I also felt some serious omissions - e.g., the establishment of most original Black colleges in the south by northern churches.

A few of the commentators show evidence of reverse racism, understandable and perhaps forgiveable, but unfortunate and a bit alienating. Other things might have been noted, such as the schism between southern and northern Methodists over slavery. The countless northern whites who gave up their lives in battle as they sang 'John Brown's body', including ancestors of mine. Many Union soldiers were fired up by the issue of slavery as much as there seems to be an effort to minimize that reality in recent years. My great-grandfather volunteered at age 41, leaving his wife and six children on their Vermont farm, because of that. He named one of his sons, Sumner, after Congressman Sumner of MA, a major and early abolitionist. And I could go on and on and on.

I guess I have some resentment of efforts to forget such brave and devoted people, seemingly only because they were white. A great-uncle all but starved to death in a southern POW camp, a member of the 1st VT Cav who was captured in MD while chasing Lee after Gettysburg. Their sacrifices should not be ignored or minimized.

But, back to my first point. It's an exciting and informative series and I look forward to the next four hours.

I respect Min. Louis Farrakhan for continuing the Nation Of Islam. He used this vehicle as an instrument of liberation for African Americans and not just follow someone else's interpretation, which becomes only a ritual. The minister has taken a lot of heat for this. Folks saying it is not the real Islam but the real anything is what empowers you and not make you a helpless victim.

There's a poem written by someone called "What Makes You So Strong Black People?" After watching just the 1st segment of "This Far By Faith," it's obvious that the strength of the Lord is our strength and it is this strength that enables us to come through obstacles that would have smothered some races into extinction. Although that is evil's intention, we as christians of the black community know that victory is ours and God's plan continually reveals that he is leading us to greater things, better life in this life and the one to come. It is faith and the works of faithful men that have made, as well as, make positive influence and change today. This action of movement will spear forth greater works in the future. Thank you for sharing the faith!

ajob well done iam looking forward to the rest of it .so much i was not aware of. you do educate.

ajob well done iam looking forward to the rest of it .so much i was not aware of. you do educate.

Thank you for "This Far by Faith". Throughout my youth and adult life I have wondered why African Americans jump and shout in church, why many regard the church building as sacred ground, and why large numbers of African American women emotionally attach to male preachers. The first two hours of the series provided insight into the origin of these expressions and mindsets and helped me relate to church experiences for which I previously had no affinity.

Capt.Joseph Vesey was a relative of mine. Having been raised in Viginia during the '40s and 50s, I developed a sincere and strong belief as to the beauty and strength of soul possessed by Afro-Americans. In fact, Elizath Murray, affectionately known to me as E-beth, basically raised me and, even today, I miss her as well as remember her sage advice. Thus, I am delighted that PBS discussed Denmark Vesey. I knew of his existence precedent to your program and have read two books on his life. It is truly unfortunate that it has taken so long for his efforts to have been noticed in this country. Unfortunately, we continue to treat Africa as a distant mystery(see articles on the Congo war today)

From my viewpoint, I see .This Far by Faith. as an introduction to the spirituality of black America and the laying of the foundation of these United States. For me, the .Negro Spirituals. represent the pivotal point of the Faith of black America, and to some degree, of all America.

My fore-parents, the Children of Captivity and Slavery, were not allowed to bring anything with them from Africa beside their body, soul and spirit. Their bodies were enslaved and abused in the interest of free labour, while with their souls and spirits they lamented to God. Within the lyrics of the Negro Spirituals, may be found the identity, history, culture and spirituality of the slaves. Accompanied by a rhythmic dance, along with the clapping of hands and the tapping or stomping of feet, the slaves made their plight known and offered up their testimony against their oppressor.

At a time when the Supreme Court seems to recognize that the issue of .racism. is still a factor in our society, and that there is a need for racial tolerance and reconciliation, this PBS series could be very helpful. It is common knowledge that black people are very spiritual. By this I mean that there seems to be a greater sense of spiritual awareness (strength) among individuals possessing a high concentration of melanin. It is important to note that this .blackness. is everywhere throughout our universe, and is necessary for its harmony and efficiency.

To some of us, the physical world is but a shadow of the spiritual; yet it is a high honour to possess the ability to communicate between the two worlds with ease. Music and dance represent the language of an efficient creation, meaning that special ability of the creature to communicate with his/her Creator. And because it is such a high level communion, ordinary words cannot be used, indeed sometimes no words at all. This is the strength of the Chosen People, realized by the power of our Covenant, even enduring the affliction of our captivity. It is important to note that full appreciation of the Negro Spirituals is a very subjective matter. It is not an academic exercise, but it requires that the individual be in one accord with the same spiritual format in which the Negro Spirituals were expressed.This is true of any spiritual expression. However, these Spirituals are not only for black people. They represent an extremely significant source of early American history and culture for ALL people. In fact, the Negro Spirituals should be a required study in all schools, where American history and culture is taught. There is no other way that a full and accurate appreciation of all that is America may be realized.

Dr. Michael Hinds HEALING A NATION THE ISRAELITE HERITAGE CENTER ATLANTA, GA israel@mindspring.com

This is an important contribution to the documenting of our history and experience in this Esther country. This is a great accomplishment. I look forward to the remaining programs. As a beginning video documentarian I am encouraged by your grant funding resources. Congratulations ! What surprised me, though it probably should not have, was that the white Christians attacked and destroyed all efforts in the beginning for African Americans to have their own church home. I do not understand how religious people justify these acts against humanity and still call themselves children of God. What hit home for me was the fact that Faith confirms for you that you have value and you have been created equal. You can claim the victory because the debt has already been paid. Faith is tested constantly. I hold on to my faith in my dealings with people who often present themselves as trustworthy and honest but are in fact destructive and deceptive. When you hear and see what has gone before you it is a humbling acknowledgemen t of how strong we are as a people. I am proud of my ancestors. Thank you for this opportunity to acknowledge their role and contribution to our progress. Sadly in many cases it was their lives.

Faith and religion have always been part of my life. It was only within the last five years that I have realized their true significance. I never knew that I was searching for my spiritual center. I found this center when I joined a small AME church. I worship regularly. I teach. I witness. I praise GOD with my life. I am looking forward to verifying for myself that I look just like GOD.

I'm twenty four years old and I have learned alot in these years of being in my twentys. I can say I have experience racial conflicts dealing with work and school. I 'am learning to overcome racial discrimination myself.

I would hope after this series, the public school system would wise up to the facts behind Americas envolvement as "sympathetic" antagonist in this history of a very creative/distructive people. The socialogical development of the species depends on all people recognizing the cause and effect nature of the universe. Slavery is a by-product of necessity and greed, we are human but "the soul of strength" demonstrated by the millions of African/Americans tortured/nutured in the Americas is truly the seed of their genius.

I watched last nights episode and was amazed. I love knowing the history of my people. I felt a sense of strength in knowing that African americans have came so far and that we are not just the descendents of slaves, but of great men and women who by the glory of god are now free. I also liked what I heard: Its not a curse to be born black but a gift from god.

I am a pilgrim that participated in the Interfaith Pilgrimage of the Middle Passage inhe USA, the Caribbean, West Africa and South Africa. I look forward to seeing how our journey will be featured. However, in the mean time, I am gaining great insight from the stories of other's spiritual journeys.

Our ancestors created a great foundation for us, and I am thankful for the gifts they gave and the sacrifices they made.

Every person of color should read Leviticus 26:14-46, Deuteronomy 28:15-68, and Deuteronomy chapters 29,30,31:14-30,and 32. You will find that the hardships you endured as African-Americans in this country are similar to the prophecies that Moses warned the children of Israel about.

FIRST I WANT TO THANK PBS FOR HAVING THIS PROGRAM. THE HISTORY OF THE STRUGGLE AND THE PEOPLE WHO PLACED THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE FOR NOT JUST BLACK AMERICANS, BUT FOR ALL AMERICANS NEEDS TO BE TOLD. I AM ONE OF THE MANY WHO PROTESTED THE INJUSTICE OF MY RACE. WHAT ROLE DID MY FAITH PLAY? I KNEW THAT THE MOVEMENTS LEADERSHIP CAME OUT OF THE BLACK CHURCH, BUT THE MARCHERS MANY OF WHOM WHERE ORDINARY PEOPLE WHERE BOUND BY ONE FAITH, THE FAITH IN ONE ANOTHER. THIS I FOUND TO BE TRUE THAT THERE WAS NO CHRISTIAN OR JEW, MUSLIM OR AGNOSTIC, ONLY HUMAN BEINGS STEPPING OUT AND WITNESSING IN THEIR HUMANITY.

have enjoyed "This Far by Faith." I am fortunate to have had parents and grandparents who told me the stories, showed me the pictures, and described how difficult and dangerous life was for African Americans then and still now. Now, I am a teacher in a predominantly black area and it saddens me that our children, our future, do not know of the struggles of African Americans. Where does this lead our future? It seems that we live in a country that tries to ignore its ugly past, erase these shameful years from the media and textbooks. When will our nation finally face the ugly truth of what was done to African Americans? When will our children, black AND white, know the ugly truth? Paraphrased, "A people who don't know their history are more apt to repeat it." But, I am grateful for shows like these and encourage people to continue telling the past to save our future.

I came to Glide Church in 1983, as a survivor of abuse and a person who did not feel she had a right to exist on this planet. Though I am not a person of color, I needed the empowerment and the liberation that the community of Glide Church gave to me. The Glide Community showed me that God's love was real and tangible. I left San Francisco in 1987, and am now in Florida, where my husband and I have built a church in the midst of the prostitutes, the homeless and the drug addicts, and where we provide a place of refuge and hope for them. In a small way, I have carried on what Glide and Cecil gave to me.

The series is very interesting and thought provoking. To watch it its like going back there, in time, being there as these historic events took place. Surely God has played a hand in this beautiful and tragic tale.

I have enjoyed each night. I have felt a little guilty seeing what so many went through for my generation. I felt I should be working even more to reap the benefits of the strugle and the faith that has been passed on to me by my parents.

When I was born in Birmingham AL (1965) the greater part of the benefits of the strugle were just around the corner and in my hands by the time I needed them. I rushed to vote as fast as I rushed to get my driver's licence.

I hope those born in the 80's will come to realize the faith and struggle others used and endured so that they could have the power that a vote can bring. There is power in a song of faith. I saw that power tonight helping my people to face clubs and guns with love.

Thanks PBS I'm really surprised you are treating this subject of faith and black people the way you are. Not just faith but Jesus. Not Jesus a historical man but Jesus as God. He has long been both to us as you have obviously found out.

I am writing because I was so happy to see Rev. Charles Sherrod's face. You identified him by SNCC, but you did not identify his church today. Could you please tell me where I could write to him? I have such a wonderful memory of meeting him in 1962 and of our small group staying at his mother's house on the way to Atlanta. He taught me things I still remember, especially as I am a much deeper Christian now than I was then.

Please show this program again, Soon. This should be release to High Schools everywhere as a testament to African American history.

I think this is a wonderful program and hope to be able to see it. However, I haven't the schedule for when it appears on PBS in Houston. Can anyone get me that information? Again, I'm very excited about this program and hope to watch it.

Dear Mr. Roy, You are right, Henry Ward Beecher was no Methodist, but a Presbyterian. Mea Culpa.

You are also right that he raised money before the war to arm anti-slavery advocates in Kansas.

However, after the Civil War, Beecher began a long slippery slide towards belief in the inferiority of black americans. Abolitionism and a belief in equality did not always go hand in hand. Eric Foner, a professor of History at Columbia University, describes Beecher's evolution in his book Reconstruction: the Unfinished Revolution. Henry McNeal Turner read it and wrote an editorial about it in the AME Christian Recorder Recorder of April 27, 1882. Beecher's quote was taken from the St. Louis Globe Democrat earlier that month.

The point about the establishment of Black colleges was, I felt, covered in the idea of a million dollars raised for educational institutions by a people who five years earlier had had nothing. Television is a chincy medium. We can't include everything - it is the unfortunate tyranny of trying to pack 400 years of history into six hours.

Many of your concerns are addressed in greater detail on the website for the series. I do hope you will take the time to read it.

Thank you for your comments. We are having some technical difficulties posting comments on the site but expect they will be cleared up by Thursday. Please bear with us. June Cross The Faith Project 145 East 125th Street New York, NY 10035

The powerful historical events and stories of African Americans presented in this series has forced me to search myself. Would I have been as courageous and bold as those who were before me? I hope so. The character, strength, and conviction they showed through an extremely horrific time is astounding to me. This series makes me feel proud and very appreciative to those who risked so much.

My life is enriched and blessed because of their suffering. I am convinced that I must do more to make a positive difference, and I will. Thank you for this series. Sincerely, A. Sims

it truly a blessing to see a series on faith .with faith anything is possible , alot of informaition really brought back memories as when i grew up in church attending all day services "Good old country church" I just wnat to thank all those partipants and gernerations of belivers of God to share how deep rooted a people we are and for us all.God bless you all who read this message and may he keep us. Thank you.

During the time I was looking at The Far by Faith I flet that I wont to be a part of the Scnn and the Civil Right. I have a feeling that I can help and that one friend of my can really help. P S I hope that whomever read this can undrestand my point.

We the people of Africa descendants have come through rough mountains with our strong convictions in our faith.No matter what part of the state we were in, a very large percentage of us had the one very important common thread to push us toward courage and accepting ourselves for who we were. This common thread was Our strong faith in our God. This faith produced a people who were just as capable of achieving as the next person if given fair and I mean fair opportunities. Also what is so amazing is that when the opportunities were not there, we continued to achieve reguardless of the unbalanced playing field. Our faith not only was taken seriously at our churches but it also was a very important part of our Black schools;therfore, our children also grew up with much pride and lots of determination. Think about this situation now; is this possible today in our schools? Particually urban schools?

I have seen other films on the civil rights struggle, each telling of the importance of the church to the movement, this film however, is a revelation. Faith as the guiding force. A depth of faith it seems most of us will never know in our lives. An abiding faith forged in unspeakable suffering and yet in spite of that suffering, so deep that hate could be tempered from it, forced out of the soul by sheer will. A faith that became one with the church, and one with the movement. I did not know how profoundly spiritual the Movement was. True epiphanies are described as the participents come to understand the depth and power of non-violence. I thought that I had gained some insight into the Civil Rights Movement from "Eyes on the Prize" and "Africans in America" and other excellant documentaries on the subject. I had not seen however, how important the movement and its participents are to our understanding of faith, religion, and the strength of the human spirit. The fact that this isn't immediately obvio s to, and taught by, all Americans is another example of our pervasive racism staring us in the face

This was an inspiring and informative presentation of the untold story about the significance of faith in the lives of our ancestors. I cannot begin to tell you how much of this information is still left out of the our teaching and learning experiences. This episode ought to be required for seminary and bible training for faith leader's. It is truly a "Sankofa" experience for everyone. I especially appreciated the in depth research about the influence of traditional denominations on the religious development of slaves. This series is truly a gift to my faith journey. May God continue to bless the hearts and minds of the creative people who committed to bring this to the pubic. Peace.

Rev. Terry, Thank you for your comments. If you go to www.faithintoaction.org, you will find some additonal inspiriational and educational materials linked to the site. -June Cross

As I watched "This Far By Faith", I was filled with so much pride and respect for my forefathers and mothers. I was listening to the old negro spirituals and I heard a voice that reminded me so much of my Grandmother Leola. It brought back so many loving and spiritual memories. I also felt my own spirit being renewed. I have more respect and pride for the past and hope that I can instill these same feelings in my 13 year old daughter.

PBS keep up the awesome work and I look forward to future series of this nature. Thank You for keeping spirituality and history alive.

The struggle for religious freedom is still a deciding factor in becoming a US immigrant today. People from Africa are still being fed religious preferences in order to "fit in" the American Culture today. I have the impression that if you study Christianity, you are treated special in this country. Although I am a Christian, I feel within me the urge to explore how my ancestors expressed their rituals of trying to understand the unexplainable. But when I speak of this, I am quickly silenced by the training the Europeans gave my ancestors which is passed on to my African brothers and sisters today. Thank you for the series. I have enjoyed watching and will purchase as soon as I am able.

Is there a music CD with songs that are used in the program? I would love to find out where I could get some of this music !

Watching the program last night drove home the point home to me even more strongly what I've known for a while-namely, that I thank God that he chose capable black men and women to desegregate the South . By capable, I mean, people aware of the potent Gandhian tactic of satyagraha, people who took most seriously Jesus' command to love others. They took the "high moral ground" and were thus successful; they were successful because they were faithful. I shudder to think what would have happened if , for example, those unaware of "the ways of Jesus" had tried to de- segregate society. It would have been like pouring fire on gasoline, and playing into the hands of segregationism.

Thanks also for the acknowledgement that Gandhi's reading of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was crucial to his understanding and using of satyagraha.

I just want to thank PBS for showing such a thought-provoking and enlightening series. I hope that all who remember those days of separation, by law, will teach their children how far we have come and how far we still have to go to reach totally equality.

THE DOCUMENTARY WE HAVE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH HAS BEEN AWE INSPIRING. IT REMINDS OF WERE I AS AN AFRICAN AMERICAN CAME FROM . IT ALSO PUT THE QUESTION OF HOW DO I KNOW I EXIST INTTO PERSPECTIVE

I watched "We come this far by Faith". I could not turn it off! It truly touched my heart I am very much an activist I try not to let the past affect my belief but sometimes it is so hard to separate the past from the present. This show will touch the hearts of everyone who watches it.

It's hard to say about faith these days I for one don't have much if any in or about people it just seems that if and when given the chance people can and will burn you...But about the first show when it aired I found myself learning a lot about the church that I grew up in A.M.E.I grew up outside of Philly in Pottstown and went to Bethel A.M.E I didn't know all of that stuff it just seemed that we were not good enough compared to the Second Baptist Church.We were a poor church but we were there just like the guy said all day long it seemed like can anyone identify with your mom grabbing you up by the shirt and takeing you?

Please email me when this airs again). I began my religious involvement as a junior usher in my church in Phila., PA. I saw the church leadership and preachers were all male and the worker bees were female.

In 1979, working at the YWCA in a Teen "Mothers" project I discovered books which confirmed what I had suspected all along, that the bible and religion was a form of social control written by men to control the passage of property ownership and to control the masses to look to the hereafter for their rewards and not expect them in this life. "When God Was a Woman" by Merlin Stone and "The Christ Conspiracy: The greatest Story Ever Sold" was just two of the books which confirmed this for me. I'm posting this to see if it is shared as the others were or whether it will not be allowed. Not all blacks have "Blind Faith" in what the bible says, but are out here as "Free-Thinkers if you are open enough to hear what they have to say without being a bible thumper!

"This far by Faith" so far is a good series to promote thought about Africentric culture. The program is good because the perspective of television alone tends to narrow the scope of history. This is the reason I like the website better.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a complete history. Somethings are always inadvertently omited. For example, there was no mention of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church or the roles its ministers played in the abolishonist, emancipation, and Civil Rights Movements.

One excellent feature of the series is that it provokes more questions than answers it provides. For example, Did our African ancestors have a word for religion? Many African societies did not have a word for God.

Did you know that the first sit-in occured on September 26, 1925 at Union Station in Washington, D.C. The act was performed by Bishop W. J. Walls of the A.M.E. Zion Church. He insisted on being served in an area not designated for colored. He and his companion were ser ved after three hours.

I consider myself to be a spiritual but not religious person. However, It was heart warming to see such a high quality production that spoke volumns about the struggles and strengths of our forefathers in the ongoing fight for freedom. We need more programs of this quality that can convey to the rest of America, that we have a rich and full history that they are completely unaware of. That we were not faceless people standing by and contributing little as this became a great nation. Most Americans either have a very short memory, or very little historical knowledge of the plight of Africans in America. Excellent program!

The personal accounts of the historical events brought it home. This is something you cannot derive from a book. It seems that if it weren't for the religious aspect, we would not have had the civil rights movement. There was a focus in those people I doubt we will ever see again.

I was so happy to see the face of Rev. Charles Sherrod. You identified him by SNCC but did not give the name of his church today. Could you please tell me how to reach him? I first met him in 1962. Our small group stayed at his mother's house on the way to Atlanta. Rev. Sherrod taught me some things that I still remember -- especially as I am a much deeper Christian now than I was then. Thank you.

I just want to clarify that it was nearly TWO MILLION MEN that attended the Million Man March, and not nearly one million.

First of all thank you PBS.I'm a African-Hispanic descend, nevertheless we all faced the same struggle when it comes to personal achievement, this series is for me a confirmation that with unity as God's people (moved by faith)nothing shall be restrained from us.

iknow that islam is that oldtime religion that my ancester was singing about iknow islam is not a religion it,s away of life that slavay strip away from the gods and goddess of Egypt.that,s our faces on and inside the pyramid.

I would like to thank PBS and all those who contributed to this program. This is the first time I seen a program on TV that gave such a broad historical perspective of African American (Religious) History and the many diverse areas of faith. So often especially after 911 the only ones interviewed represnting Al-Islam were the imigrant Muslims. Leaving out the Muslims who were born here and have a better American (African) perspective. It's about time that African Americans step forward and give account of our history instead of people from other races speaking for us. This documentary shoud be shown in all schools across America and the world. And by the way Imam Warith Deen Mohmmed and Minister Louis Farrakahn were the best to interview for the historical aspect of Islam in America. The Best. For those who say Imam WD Mohmmed is not a good representation of Muslims, then they don't know much about Islam and Muslims. Thank you all. Good Job PBS and those who spoke. Peace Be Upon You All

I have just completed a course called African American literature. My assisgned research paper was to research and write about Negro Spirituals. I wrote about many aspects in the series. I was a little disappointed that this series aired after a wrote my paper(I received an A). The series was informative and well reseached. I am so glad that it was aired.

I found the series very interesting. I found it refreshing being a person who belongs to a AME Church. Some of the history was familiar to me, but I also learned a great deal. Thank you to everyone who helped put this program together. Excellent Job!

I approached this program with much speculation and some hope. But I came away highly disappointed. What I saw merely perpetuated what people want to think about blacks here in the United States. What I mean is the reference to muslims and Islam in relation to W.D Mohammed and the black "moslems". Though it was mentioned in the beginning that many slaves were indeed muslim, the later references to Islam in the United States was limited to just those who were followers of W.D Mohammed. As a true muslim, I am offended by that reference. If you were to truly delve into the religions of a people, I think you should have also considered the many, many black people who are muslim and do not consider W.D. Mohammed credible in his assertion of Islam. I think that misperception, or oversight, needs to be corrected and your program did nothing in the way of correcting it. This assumption also perpetuates the ideology that black "moslems" are racist and intolerant and hate whites, etc. It also perpetuates the idea tha blacks who are muslim are poor, etc. Obviously, those are false and need to be corrected. You had an opportunity to do so, and yet did not.

"The faith of the human spirit" that knows no creed or color as your program said, can be found in Islam. It was never a religion intolerant of others, but always taught tolerance and kindness. Many assume that muslims are all middle eastern, from Saudi Arabia, etc. But what a lot of people don' know is that there are so many Africans who are muslim, maybe even more than in the middle east. Why do you think Malcolm X became a true muslim and changed his belief about racism. He saw a religion that truly accepted people of all colors and nationalities. For those people who were offended when they found that their ancestors might have been muslim, you should consider how that makes you look; intolerant,

This documentary was a powerful vehicle to awaken within all of us a sense of urgency to open our hearts and minds and embrace and celebrate the human spirit. We can't be afraid to show the world who we are and how we are all connected.

Thoughtful, provocative, and rejuvenating. Thank you for your dedication to this enormous project, and I too live in faith everyday. Sheer inspiration, and a job well done.

Tonight I learned that faith is a beacon for Life not just a religious exercise. My depression at the end of the series comes from the overwhelming feeling of the different lives Black people and White people have lived in America. Do we now deserve our separate lives? Or do we continue to reach between the races with all the bumbling and misunderstanding that comes with it? I know the answer but tonight it seems almost impossible. But tomorrow?, may be that is why I need to develop my faith.