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An Interpretation Of The Peoples’ Temple and Jonestown: Implications For The Black Church
Full text linkThe purpose of this paper is to identify some implications of the Peoples’ Temple and Jonestown for the pastoral care ministry of the BlackChurch. My task is an interpretive one. The fact of major concern for us is that the media’s accounts of Jonestown conflict with the testimonies of those close to the Peoples’ Temple and the Jonestown tragedy. It is out of this background and search for understanding that I offer my thoughts on Jonestown, the Peoples’ Temple and its implications for the pastoral care ministry of Black churches
Black Theology of Liberation as Critique of Capitalist Civilization
Full text linkIn this essay my basic aim is to put forward a conception of black theology of liberation which is simultaneously anchored in the propheticChristian tradition and the progessive Marxist tradition. My strategy shall be as follows: First, I shall examine briefly the evolution of the black prophetic consciousness in the liberation. It is my argument that a black theology and theology of liberation as a critique of capitalist civilization, is the present expression of this prophetic consciousness in our troubled times. Second, I will attempt to explain what I mean by the vague phrase “critique of capitalist civilization”. Third, I shall probe the theological dimension of my project and suggest that theadjective “black”—viewed symbolically and literally—describes a crucial aspect of this dimension owing to the unique role and particular plight of black people in the emergence, duration and decline of capitalist civilization
The Religious Ethics of Howard Thurman
Full text linkoward Thurman (November 18, 1900—April 10, 1981) was truly a magnificent universal spirit whose vitality and vision touched the lives of countless persons of all ethnic, faith, and culture groups. Spell-binding preacher, theologian, educator, campus pastor, lecturer, and artist, he is considered by many to be a mentor to an entire generation of leaders that would include notables such as Whitney M. Young, Jesse L. Jackson, Vernon E. Jordan, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Small wonder, therefore, that he was selected by Life Magazine as early as 1953 as one of the twelve “Great Preachers” of this century. He is the author of some twenty-three books, including his powerful autobiography, With Head and Heart. In addition, there are innumerable pamphlets, recordings, sermons, speeches that bear his name. Presently there are Howard Thurman listening and reading rooms throughout the United States and in at least seventeen foreign countries
A Comparison of The Conceptions of God In Process and Black Theologies
Full text linkNorth American Theological thought has frequently been considered to be the intellectual patrimony of Europe. With few exceptions, American theology has reflected the ethos and intellectual nuances of European countries. Process religious thought and Black Theology however, represent two of those “few exceptions” which attempt to theologize out of the American experience. Process philosophy and theology has primarily addressed the realities of North American modernity. Parenthetically, we are using the term “modernity” to describe a vague and often misunderstood concept employed primarily by social scientists to describe the scientific and technological advances, socio-economic realities, and ensuing consciousness of modern societies. Black Theology, on the other hand, has essentially responded to the crises of racial oppression and social injustice in America. By accenting the socio-ethical dimensions of the Christian faith, Black Theology typifies the best of the prophetic Christian tradition
Theo-Poetics and Theology: An Exploration into the Politics of Interpretation
Full text linkReligious experience, as a transforming experience of inner meaning, is initially expressed in and through re-presentations of the imagination (as to imagine, to image). Theo-poetics or images of “God” lie behind and are prior to theology. Images emerge in and from transforming experiences, surfacing out of the depths of the human imagination but always within and related to the given language and perceptual frames of those experiencing. Typically a variety of referential images cluster around the initial image(s) of the liberating experience. For example in the early Christian period, the primary image of “the Christ” was expressed in and through such referential images as Shepherd, Messiah, redeemer God, Son of Man, Rock, Door, Bridegroom, and so on. Because images are not consciously or rationally created, imaging is a form of interpretation organically related to the transforming experience by way of the imagination. Imaging emerges from and resonates with the intuitive and pre-cognitive dimensions of human experience. In more organized form, the imaged experience assumes the shape of myth, story, and ritual. Relating to and identifying with this form of interpretation is grounded in our abilities to imagine imaging images. The primary threat to this interpretive style is the tendency to substitute theology for theopoetics, or an explanation for the imaged experience of transformation
Journal of the Interdenominational Theological Center, Front Matter, 2015, vol. 2
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The Leadership Practicum Reformed as Intercultural Formation and Dialogue
Full text linkThe purpose of this essay is to affirm the value of experientially based leadership formation in doctor of ministry theological education, which traditionally has been the hall mark of religious leadership with the African American context. It suggests that by re-envisioning and broadening the goals of the leadership practicum as a core practice within the Doctor of Ministry Program (DMin), students may gain invaluable intercultural competencies as they carry out their ministry, regardless of the context- congregational, denominational, societal, or global. The ability to increase one’s awareness and understanding of cultural and ethnic literacy, personal formation and development, attitude and values clarification, multi-ethnic and multicultural social competence, basic ministry skills proficiency, educational equity and excellence, and empowerment for missiological (intercultural) reform are possible. Students learn best about the need to affirm ethnic identity, to be inclusive, to appreciate diversity, and how to overcome fear of human diversity, such as xenophobia, racism, and hatred toward those with different worldviews and orientations, as they intentionally engage in ministry through times of cultural disorientation. Stated differently, DMin graduates will comprehend better the journey toward intercultural competence with more clarity as they discover the truth expressed by Maya Angelou, “We are all human؛ therefore nothing human can be alien to us.
The Search for Pastoral Equality for Women Through Spiritual Empowerment
Full text linkOrdaining women to the ministry appears to be commonplace now. However, appointing them or using them in the church as senior pastors or in other leadership roles is still a tug of war, a real struggle. In my denomination, the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC), women continue to answer their call to the ministry, they are allowed to study with the Board of Examiners which prepares them for ordination over a five-year period. Following ordination, some women are appointed to churches. However, more often than not, they remain at their home church with duties that have been relegated as women’s workChurch school teacher, Bible study leader, Christian Educator, Children’s Church/pastor, visiting the sick and shut-in—all under the watchful eye of the male senior pastor. The acceptance of women as Christian educators and associate ministers appears to be an obvious attempt to limit the rights of clergywomen. While these are significant roles, women’s calls should be taken as seriously as men's with the understanding that they, too, can be senior pastors leading congregations. There appears to be a great deal of concern over ordaining women, when in fact, it is a mere formality for the majority of women in ministry in the AMEC. The experiences and contributions of women as administrators, managers, nurturers, caregivers and biblical and theological scholars speak volumes to the ability, skill and expertise of women. Women are very capable of being senior pastors in churches that are led by men who are less and less skilled
Journal of the Interdenominational Theological Center, Front Matter, 2015, no.1
No full textJournal of the Interdenominational Theological Center, Front Matter, 2015, no.
Journal of the Interdenominational Theological Center, Front Matter, 2000
No full textJournal of the Interdenominational Theological Center, Front Matter, 200