Twelfth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Herman Husband (1724-1795) can be seen as a poet; an artist who used the language of the Bible to express what he felt would liberate the common people and create a democratic society of “peace, justice, and order.” Adhering to one’s own conscience was the path forward for all, and until a critical mass of people did that, arbitrary rule, tyranny, and slavery will prevail. One reason Husband’s metaphorical language has not been “deciphered” is that because his conversion narrative reveals a child and young man who experienced profound psychological duress before he found his way through his confusion. While some observers have questioned his sanity, I rely on the research of William James and others who have followed him in showing that Herman Husband’s childhood traumas were common. Individuals ranging from Saul of Tarsus to John Bunyan to Leo Tolsoy have had these profound psychological experiences that change the trajectory of their lives. That a stigma still exists in the history discipline regarding the mental health of one who has experienced this “second birth” is unfortunately detectable. This paper adopts both a sympathetic and empathetic view toward Husband’s “second birth.”