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Backs Against The Wall: The Howard Thurman Story

Martin Doblmeier (Director, Narrator) Rated:
G
Format: DVD
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 58 ratings
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Genre Documentary
Format DVD
Contributor Martin Doblmeier, Carrie Lemaster, Deryl Davis
Language English
Runtime 57 minutes

Product Description

Backs Against The Wall: The Howard Thurman Story explores the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the most important religious figures of the 20th century. Born the grandson of slaves, Thurman became a “spiritual foundation” for the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring many of its leaders including Martin Luther King, Jr, Jesse Jackson and Congressman John Lewis. In the mid-1930s, Thurman was the first Black American invited to meet Mohandas Gandhi who shared his strategy of non-violent resistance. Gandhi suggested it would be through the African-American experience that the non-violence resistance movement could take on global significance. When Thurman returned to America, his writings and speeches planted the early seeds for the non-violent Civil Rights Movement. Thurman is also remembered for helping launch The Fellowship Church for All People in San Francisco, a pioneering venture to create the nation’s first interracial, intercultural church community. Thurman was a gifted and prolific writer who authored more than 20 books and celebrated as one of the great preachers of his era. The film includes extensive archival film and photographs, plus interviews with civil rights leaders Jesse Jackson, Congressman John Lewis, Vernon Jordan and others. Backs Against The Wall is directed by Martin Doblmeier, the filmmaker for BONHOEFFER, The Power of Forgiveness, The Reinhold Niebuhr Story and other award-winning films. Thurman "helped establish the philosophical framework of how to struggle" -Jesse Jackson "I am convinced that Thurman is one of America's most important Christian thinkers and leaders."- Brian McLaren, author and spiritual activist " I am in awe of Martin Doblmeier's work" -Bill Moyers Journalist

Product details

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ G (General Audience)
  • Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.48 x 5.35 x 0.55 inches; 2.89 ounces
  • Director ‏ : ‎ Martin Doblmeier
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ DVD
  • Run time ‏ : ‎ 57 minutes
  • Subtitles: ‏ : ‎ English
  • Producers ‏ : ‎ Deryl Davis, Carrie Lemaster
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07MC5472C
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 58 ratings

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4.5 out of 5 stars
58 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Zen Traveler
    5.0 out of 5 stars an inspiring story of a truly great man
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Backs Against the Wall is an excellent documentary DVD presenting the story of Howard Thurman, an extraordinary minister, a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and a "spiritual foundation" for the American Civil Rights Movement. I would recommend this film to those interested in 20th-century religious history, the progress of the Civil Rights Movement, and especially the movement's connection with Mahatma Gandhi, whom Dr. Thurman visited on a pilgrimage to India in the 1930's.
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  • Ruth Duck, California
    5.0 out of 5 stars Howard Thurman: Spirituality that leads to wisdom, justice, and love.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I showed this video to a group that was studying the history of contemplative living. The group was excited to see this wonderful African American religious leader, a friend of Martin Luther King, advocated non-violence during the civil rights era.
    It inspires us to continue this loving and just way of living so needed in these days. If you are seeking more depth
    and wisdom for your life, you might enjoy this excellent CD.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • jroy wenatchee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thurman spiritual counselor to ML King
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Howard Thurman was the spiritual counselor/ chaplain to Martin Luther King jr. at Boston University while King was completing his PhD. The documentary shares Thurman’s mystical connection to life, a place deeper than all the suffering he faced working for peace and justice. The documentary tells a timeless story that brings encouragement to all people. A great companion read is Thurman’s “Meditations of the Heart”.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Gfbeasley
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fine commemoration of a truly great thinker.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    My wife and I are both graduates of Boston University and studied there during Dean Thurman’s tenure. We benefited from his counsel. The dvd reminded us of the encouragement we received from one of great minds of our times.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • TITI
    4.0 out of 5 stars DEAN OF THEOLOGY
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Dean Thurman, as I knew him from Marsh Chapel at Boston University, was an amazing human being. it was nostalgic for me to see his life story on the CD Back Against the Wall. A must for those interested in our American history. Was super interesting and very well documented.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful look at 1 of 20th century's spiritual giants
    Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This documentary captures the spirit and gift of Thurman, with great footage of him and many who knew him. Was a great resource for course on mystic activism.
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  • Troy Ahart
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Wonderful video. Such an extraordinary man. Thank you.
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  • james myvett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Quality products.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this video about Howard Thurman.i purchased this for my personal video library.
    One person found this helpful
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