an online reading group and exploration
An Eight Week Course Introducing
Black Theology & Intersectional Theology
Parts 1-7 + Miscellanea 1-3
8 Weeks + 4 Deep Dives + 4 Special Sessions + Readings + Online Community
“Racism is a profound contradiction of the gospel. No one can be a representative of Jesus and treat others as subhuman. There can be no compromise on this point. Any theology that does not fight white supremacy with all its intellectual strength cancels its Christian identity” - James Cone
White supremacy is America’s most cherished heresy. It is a theological error entailing the death and domination of black bodies. The White Church has not simply been silent and sidelined in the march toward liberation, but an ideological ally and institutional accomplice of supremacy culture. George Floyd’s last words as he was murdered by the State, “I can’t breathe,” ignited a collective gasp in which a larger multitude and diversity of citizenry had the scales fall off their eyes and found their lips and lungs reanimated to speak, “Black Lives Matter.”
For some this is a new shout and for others it is too familiar. If black lives matter our life as a species and a church, then it is time to listen to the voices who have already been speaking and living this gospel proclamation. As James Cone, the Father of Black Theology said, “There can be no Christian theology that is not identified unreservedly with those who are humiliated and abused. In fact, theology ceases to be a theology of the gospel when it fails to arise out of the community of the oppressed. For it is impossible to speak of the God of Israelite history, who is the God revealed in Jesus Christ, without recognizing that God is the God of and for those who labor and are overladen.” We hope this online class in Black Theology is disrupting and revitalizing.
We are extremely excited about both the content and the format of this class. Each of the elements are intended to provide all the resources necessary for the engaged nerd like yourself to wrestle deeply with a powerful tradition and texts.
The aim of this course is to explore four major themes that shape Black Theology. Black Theology is critical thinking about the framing stories and interpretive structures that organize and give meaning to black life. It is a way of framing Christian faith through the goal and practice of liberation. As we dig into each of the four themes we will examine a number of short reading selections, receive lecture from Adam in conversation with Tripp, hear from a different special guest scholar, QnA time, and engage the community in the online group.
Can't join live? Want to save the content for later? No problem! ALL THE CONTENT OF THE CLASS WILL BE RECORDED AND SHARED AS BOTH AUDIO and VIDEO TO THE CLASS. SO go ahead and join.
The Four Major Themes of Our Reading
Is Christianity a White Man’s Religion? Can Christianity be separated from Empire?
How is Black Theology conceived as a theology of liberation? What are its sources and norms?
What is the significance of Hagar to black women’s experience? What is the Womanist critique of the Cross and turn towards the ministerial vision of Jesus?
Who is Christ for us today? What is the connection between the cross and the lynching tree?
Meet Adam
Dr. Adam Clark is Associate Professor of Theology at Xavier University. He is committed to the idea that theological education in the twenty first century must function as a counter-story. One that equips us to read against the grain of the dominant culture and inspires one to live into the Ignatian dictum of going forth "to set the world on fire." To this end, Dr. Clark is intentional about pedagogical practices that raise critical consciousness by going beneath surface meanings, unmasking conventional wisdoms and reimagining the good. He currently serves as co-chair of Black Theology Group at the American Academy of Religion, actively publishes in the area of black theology and black religion and participates in social justice groups at Xavier and in the Cincinnati area. He earned his PhD at Union Theological Seminary in New York where he was mentored by James Cone.
Meet Tripp
Dr. Tripp Fuller is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Theology & Science at the University of Edinburgh. For over 12 years Tripp has been doing the Homebrewed Christianity podcast (think on demand internet radio) where he interviews different scholars about their work so you can get nerdy in traffic, on the treadmill or doing the dishes. Last year it had over 3.5 million downloads. It also inspired a book series with Fortress Press called the Homebrewed Christianity Guides to... topics like God, Jesus, Spirit, Church History etc. Tripp is a very committed and (some of his friends think overly ) engaged Lakers fan and takes Star Wars and Lord of the Rings very seriously.
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PARTS 1-7
+
MISCELLANEA 1-3
PART 1
September 3, 2020 By Tripp Fuller
We had a bunch of questions and we attempted to answer them! The questions came from all the cool people in our Black Theology reading group. If you want to join and get access to the readings, deep dive lectures, and more than head over here. Here's the books we recommended: Making a … Read moreabout From Lebron James to the Black Panther: Black Theology QnA w/ Adam Clark
PART 2
August 25, 2020 By Tripp Fuller
PART 3
August 10, 2020 By Tripp Fuller
PART 4
August 5, 2020 By Tripp Fuller
Dr. Adam Clark is here as we kick off the Black Theology Reading Group. This episode is not just a description and invitation to join the reading but, an outline of the centering questions of the class. If you don't want to miss out on some amazing reading, lectures, conversation, and community … Read moreabout Adam Clark: What is Black Theology?
PART 5
January 12, 2022 By Tripp Fuller
In this episode you get a preview of what is going on in the Upsetting the Powers reading group. Each week we will be featuring a live session where Adam Clark and I discuss the week's theme, reading, and class questions... but wait...there's more :) there will also be an interview in which Adam … Read moreabout Serene Jones & Adam Clark: Theology Matters and the Legacy of James Cone
PART 6
August 24, 2020 By Tripp Fuller
Dr. Monica A. Coleman is back on the podcast and it is fun ride! Adam Clark and I were thrilled to welcome her as a special guest in the Black Theology reading group (which you can still join). Monica A. Coleman is committed to connecting faith and social justice. She is a widely sought speaker … Read moreabout Monica A. Coleman: Process Womanist Theology
PART 7
June 10, 2020 By Tripp Fuller
Dr. Reggie Williams is the Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at McCormick Theological Seminary and author of Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus:Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance. The book is an analysis of exposure to Harlem Renaissance intellectuals, and worship at Harlem’s … Read moreabout Reggie Williams: Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus
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MISCELLANEA - 1
April 16, 2019 By Tripp Fuller
This summer we are hosting a class with the one and only John D. Caputo. I am super excited about it and would love to all ye interested nerds to check it out and join the fun. Here's the reading for the class … Read moreabout Theology of Culture: a class with John D. Caputo
MISCELLANEA - 2
June 22, 2017 By Tripp Fuller
I am excited to share this special conversation with Frederick L. Ware with you. Dr. Ware is author of African American Theology, which is a seriously excellent introduction and ready for your reading pleasure. He is the Associate Professor of Theology at Howard University Divinity School in … Read moreabout An Introduction to African American Theology with Frederick Ware
MISCELLANEA - 3
December 6, 2016 By Tripp Fuller
In this single episode you are going to hear from three different feminist theologians, so buckle your theological safety belt and get ready to ferment some serious wisdom bombs! This theological extravaganza was recorded live at Blue Star Brewing Company in San Antonio during the American … Read moreabout Christian Feminist Theology with Elizabeth Johnson, Monica Coleman, and Cindy Rigby
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