I've just finished Sinner's Creed, the excellent collaborative biography of Scott Stapp written by David Ritz. In 1986 I reviewed Ritz's biography of Marvin Gaye, Divided Soul, for Strait, the Greenbelt newspaper, noting that 'While Ritz sticks with his original premise or image the sheer volume of contrasts which he draws out of Gaye's personality reveal someone rather more complex than a simple black/white division of personality would suggest.' Something similar could be said of Sinner's Creed which also revolves around the conceit of a divided soul.
Interestingly, between the writing of the two books Ritz himself became a Christian:
'David Ritz recently embraced Christianity, and Messengers is a tribute to the people who awakened his personal faith and to others, both famous and unknown, whose words—sometimes set to music—have inspired millions of believers. The gifted photographer Nicola Goode contributes glowing portraits of each of them.
There are stories and reflections from Bishop Noel Jones (brother of Grace); Harlem’s own Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts; Rev. Peter J. Gomes of Harvard; gospel mega-stars Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Winans, Smokey Norful, and Candi Staton; Christian life coach Dr. Arlene Churn; Dr. Mable John, a Los Angeles evangelist and former backup vocalist for Ray Charles; Chris Burge, a former Wall Street executive salesman who is saving souls in New York City and is also now a well known author; and a Washington, D.C., pastor who also runs a window-washing business. In voices joyful, clear, and strong, these mighty men and women of God convey messages of faith, love, and hope addressed directly to the heart.'
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Candi Staton - His Hands.
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