Black Theology and Black Power

By: James H. Cone, Cornel West - introduction

Narrated by: Leon Nixon

First published in 1969, Black Theology and Black Power is the first systematic presentation of black theology that also introduced the voice of a young theologian who would shake the foundations of American theology. Relating the militant struggle for liberation with the gospel message of salvation, James Cone laid the foundations for an interpretation of Christianity from the perspective of the oppressed that retains its urgency and challenge today.

In an earlier preface to this classic, Cone wrote: "This book was my initial attempt to identify liberation as the heart of the Christian gospel and blackness as the primary mode of God's presence. I wanted to speak on behalf of the voiceless black masses in the name of Jesus whose gospel I believed had been greatly distorted by the preaching and the theology of white churches."

©1997 James H. Cone; Original edition copyright 1969 by Harper & Row; Introduction copyright 1989 by James H. Cone (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

sobering

this is a prophetic warning to white people and to black people who carry the white message.

Must Read for Christian Theologians in U.S.A.

All theology is contextualized. Cone's theology of Black Liberation reminds readers of the history of Christianity in the United States, recognizing that the White Church has its roots in the heretical blend of Christianity with slavery and colonization. Accordingly, the voices of the pre-civil war Black Church understood Christ more purely than their white counterparts, despite being largely overlooked by contemporary Christians who are the product of White Christianity. Cone identifies "Black Power" with black self-love, which is an essential ingredient in loving your neighbor as yourself". In the end, Cone condemns whiteness as an IDEOLOGY, but offers a hope-saturated message of liberation for people of any skin color who share Jesus' concern for oppressed people and holding their opressors accountable. In a context where black bodies were hung on trees and systemic oppression STILL treats black lives like they don't matter, the writings of James Cone are absolutely essential for any American hoping to capture the heart of Christ for oppressed folks.

powerful

Amazing Insightful Powerful
a must read for all modern thinkers.

Highly Recommend for all white folks.

Great Book

Enjoyed this book. It was very enlightening. Breakdown of Christianity vs Black Power simplified.

Powerful Theologic Warning to the Organized White Church From Black Theologian

A Black Theological Analysis of the White Church; the Black Church; and the use and abuse of Power. A must read for any one attempting to understand difference between white christianity and ministry of Jesus Christ.