Introducing Black Theology : 3 Crucial Questions for the Evangelical Church

What is black theology and what does it have to say to the evangelical church, both now and in the future? These are the questions addressed by Bruce Fields, a well-respected African American theologian, in this newest addition to the 3 Crucial Questions series.Black theology developed as a response to racism in the church. As such, it seeks to make sense of the sociohistorical experience of African Americans in light of their Christian confession, validating the conviction that their struggle for justice is consistent with the gospel.Beginning with a statement that defines black theology as a theology of liberation, Fields discusses the sources, hermeneutics, and tasks of the black theologian. He then challenges the church to allow its theology to be formed by black theology's confrontational ministry, believing this will lead to forgiveness and reconciliation for both the oppressed and the oppressor. He also encourages black theologians to remain within certain biblical and traditional parameters in order to maintain their influence.This short, accessible introduction to black theology draws upon history, hermeneutics, culture, and Scripture to create a dialogue of respect and reconciliation between blacks and whites within the evangelical church.

Bruce L. Fields (Ph.D., Marquette University) is assistant professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School