Engaging James Cone

Clearly there could be no better time for the church to again  seriously consider the relevance of Black Theology, Womanist Theology, Latina Theology, Asian Theology, Asian American Feminist Theology, Native Feminist Theology, American Indian Theology, Gay and Lesbian Theologies and Feminist Theology (special thanks for this list extended to Liberation Theologies in the United States edited by Stacy Floyd-Thomas and Anthony Pinn).  What we are witnessing on various college campuses  is straight out of the '60's.  The church, and the Black church in particular, can either lead from its perch or be relegated to the sidelines while the revolutionary push for justice, voice, greater presence and an affordable education happens around us and without us.  Again the relevance of the church is under question and held with deep and justifiable skepticism.  Granted our perch is much smaller, less exalted and more narrow than that of the 60's but still we remain the only institution  in the Black community with the breadth  and depth of experience that is. by its very nature, an organizing community rooted in a gospel of justice, peace and reconciliation.

Thanks to  about 25 folks representing a variety of Philadelphia congregations  we have begun exploring the continual relevance of Liberation Theology.  This month Black Theology.  Next month Womanist Theology.  There's a lot to talk about and much more to do.   

It's time to lift the bushel and let the light shine.  It's time to gather the saints for education, analysis and action. It's time.