NPR: Dissecting Black Liberation Theology

Dissecting Black Liberation Theology

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Though Rev. Wright's words have caused a furor, the spiritual perspective he preaches and adheres to has largely been disregarded. Now, the New York Times is taking a closer look at the black liberation theology movement:

"Black liberation theology was, in a sense, a brilliant flanking maneuver. For a black audience, its theology spoke to the centrality of the slave and segregation experience, arguing that God had a special place in his heart for the black oppressed. These theologians held that liberation should come on earth rather than in the hereafter, and demanded that black pastors speak as prophetic militants, critiquing the nation's white-run social structures.

Black liberation theology "gives special privilege to the oppressed," said Gary Dorrien, a professor of social ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York. "God is seen as a partisan, liberating force who gives special privilege to the poorest."

What do you think of this religious school of thought? Is there still a place for it?

Related Links:
Speak Your Mind: Rev. Wright: Pariah or Prince?
Newsweek: Why Oprah Left Wright's Church
Frank Rich: John McCain's Pastor Problem
CBS Poll: Support For Obama Rebounds

Geoffrey Bennett

Tags: Oprah Winfrey | Rev. Jeremiah Wright | religion

12:30 PM ET | 05- 5-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

If the following assertion about Black liberation theology is true:

Black liberation theology "gives special privilege to the oppressed," said Gary Dorrien.

Then I have a problem thinking or believing that God gives special privilege to anyone.

Sent by Michael | 6:12 PM ET | 05-05-2008

I'm uncomfortable with the word "militant" in that description. It is true that some liberation theologians have gotten too close to militant ideology. However, if you read enough literature by liberation theologians, you'll find a wide range of views and a very strong commitment to the nonviolent lifting of oppression.

Let's face, the theology of white churches, the theology I grew up with, have their own biases and shortcomings. Somehow a lot of Christians supported the invasion of Iraq based on Bush's theology of good vs. evil, so we should be wary of labeling one theology as more "violent" or dangerous than another.

The key here is that God wants justice and peace for all on earth, and so he wants those in power to use their influence for the benefit of the poor. In that sense I think we can say that God is concerned for the poor.

Sent by Ed Cyzewski | 7:27 AM ET | 05-06-2008

America doesn't have laws based off of racist beliefs anymore. The Blacks aren't oppressed in this country anymore

Sent by aaaaaa | 3:06 PM ET | 05-15-2008

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