Black Theology Must God Be Black? ABSOLUTELY

Black Theology God’s concern for God’s people

Black Theology & Black Power Black PowerBlack Power Black Power “... mean(s) complete emancipation of black people from white oppression by whatever means black people deem necessary.” Black Power “... mean(s) complete emancipation of black people from white oppression by whatever means black people deem necessary.” It could mean economic boycotts, protests or rebellion. It could mean economic boycotts, protests or rebellion. A protest might draw worldwide attention to the cause. For example, Mexico City 1968 A protest might draw worldwide attention to the cause. For example, Mexico City 1968Mexico City 1968Mexico City 1968

Black Theology “Black theology is an attempt to analyze the nature of that reality [reality of God], asking what we can say about the nature of God in view of God’s self-disclosure in biblical history and the oppressed condition of black Americans.” “Black theology is an attempt to analyze the nature of that reality [reality of God], asking what we can say about the nature of God in view of God’s self-disclosure in biblical history and the oppressed condition of black Americans.” James Cone James Cone

The Gospel Same Gospel + Different Experience = Black Theology Same Gospel + Different Experience = Black Theology The Difference The Difference The Difference The Difference

Sources There are six sources of Black Theology There are six sources of Black Theology Black Experience Black Experience Black History Black History Black Culture Black Culture Revelation Revelation Scripture Scripture Tradition Tradition

Black Experience Black Experience The life of Blacks as they have experienced it. A life of suffering and exploitation. “What does God mean when a police officer whacks you over the head because you are black?” ABTL 25 The life of Blacks as they have experienced it. A life of suffering and exploitation. “What does God mean when a police officer whacks you over the head because you are black?” ABTL 25

Black History Black History The way that Blacks were brought to this land and were treated in this land. The way that Blacks were brought to this land and were treated in this land.

Black Culture Black Culture It is the “creative forms of expression as one reflects on history, endures pain, and experiences joy.” ABTL 27 It is the “creative forms of expression as one reflects on history, endures pain, and experiences joy.” ABTL 27

Revelation Revelation In the face of the Black experience, Black history and Black culture God has acted and this is the revelation. It is what Black people have done and our doing about their own liberation. In the face of the Black experience, Black history and Black culture God has acted and this is the revelation. It is what Black people have done and our doing about their own liberation. Truth Seekers Symbol

Scripture Scripture Scriptures record God’s acts of liberation of those who are oppressed. The history of God’s action in the world demonstrate the power and reality of God in the struggle for freedom of oppression. Scriptures record God’s acts of liberation of those who are oppressed. The history of God’s action in the world demonstrate the power and reality of God in the struggle for freedom of oppression.

Tradition Tradition “The theological reflection of the church upon the nature of Christianity from the time of the early church to the present day.” ABTL 33 “The theological reflection of the church upon the nature of Christianity from the time of the early church to the present day.” ABTL 33