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Should I change my name?

Personal names have spiritual and religious meanings in the Christian tradition.

Personal names have spiritual and religious meanings in the Christian tradition. But what if you carry an inherited surname that you feel is profoundly unchristian? Should you keep it or change it?

Robert Beckford is going through this dilemma. His surname is a slave name, a brand of ownership passed down from his enslaved African ancestors in Jamaica. Over time, Robert has grown deeply uncomfortable with the meaning of this name and now wants to find a more spiritual alternative.

If Beckford is a slave name and therefore un-spiritual, what are the alternative surname names for Robert Beckford, the Black Christian?

In this Heart and Soul, Robert Beckford embarks on a journey of self-discovery, considering whether he should change, alter or keep his inherited name. Beckford will investigate the historical context, exploring the significance of slave names and their emotional impact on individuals and communities. He will reflect on his own experiences and feelings towards his character. Beckford will speak to other individuals who have taken on new names due to adopting a new faith or spirituality.

At the program's conclusion, Beckford will weigh the options for himself. This critical decision will be a personal and spiritual moment for him, captured authentically.

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27 minutes

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