(Full text available at Christian Century where it was originally posted). Having an opportunity to peak into the life of the early Church is always intriguing. Doing so is not for the purpose of discovering some pristine perfect community, which never existed, but it is helpful when considering the historical domestications of Church teachings aroundContinue reading “An Early Church theologian that Can Help Us Subvert White Supremacy!: The Epistle to Diognetus and an ancient call to imitate God”
Category Archives: Black Theology
Black-on-Black Violence: Pastor Voddie Baucham’s Assault on Black People
Black-on-Black Violence: Pastor Voddie Baucham’s Assault on Black People By Austin Channing Brown, Christena Cleveland, Drew Hart and Efrem Smith So God created human beings in his own image. Genesis 1:27 As black evangelical leaders, we believe it is important to respond to The Gospel Coalition’s publishing of Pastor Voddie Baucham’s Thoughts on Ferguson,Continue reading “Black-on-Black Violence: Pastor Voddie Baucham’s Assault on Black People”
‘Around the Way’ Ethics: Have you felt the clash of dominant cultural sensibilities?
The Church is filled with divisions. For the most part people have simply accepted this as a given and an inevitable reality. Hardly do people find themselves with enough Christian instincts to be deeply troubled with what’s going on. Even more rare than that, it is almost impossible to find followers of Jesus committed toContinue reading “‘Around the Way’ Ethics: Have you felt the clash of dominant cultural sensibilities?”
Free Online Conference, Register Now: #MennoNerds on Race, Mutuality & Anabaptist Community
“The myth is that we don’t live in a highly racialized and white-controlled society, and that the Church isn’t complicit. But the truth is that race and racism affect all of us,” says Drew Hart, who blogs at drewgihart.com. What can Christians do and learn about racism? How do we name, explore, and critique violent systems,Continue reading “Free Online Conference, Register Now: #MennoNerds on Race, Mutuality & Anabaptist Community”
An Anabaptist “In House” Discussion: Forming a Non-Racist Approach to Ethics and Social Responsibility
I am concerned that many Anabaptists have unconsciously and unknowingly adopted a model for social action and ethics that is problematic because it cooperates with our racialized and unjust society. Therefore, I figured I would offer an “in house” discussion on the subject. This all flows out of listening to the language and comments ofContinue reading “An Anabaptist “In House” Discussion: Forming a Non-Racist Approach to Ethics and Social Responsibility”
2 Necessary Moves To Break Free from White Supremacy in the Church: Constantine, “the White Male Figure”, and the Centrality of Jesus
I am supposed to be reading about Constantine and his relationship to the bishops in the 4th century. H. A. Drake turns the discussion away from merely looking at Constantine and his actions, and whether or not he was genuine or not, you know the old Constantine scholarly debates. Instead, he looks at the BishopsContinue reading “2 Necessary Moves To Break Free from White Supremacy in the Church: Constantine, “the White Male Figure”, and the Centrality of Jesus”
Seminary Dropout 030: Drew Hart on Race, the Church, Anabaptism & Black Theology
I had the privilege of being interviewed by Shane Blackshear on his excellent ‘Seminary Dropout’ podcast. It posted this week and I wanted to share it with my readership. In the podcast I discuss my own theological journey, the significance of Anabaptism and Black theology, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and offer a challenge for how the whiteContinue reading “Seminary Dropout 030: Drew Hart on Race, the Church, Anabaptism & Black Theology”
White Fear Is Irrational (And Deadly) – Guest post by Nekeisha Alexis-Baker
“My client did not wait to become that victim,” he said. “My client did not wait to either get assaulted by a weapon or have someone potentially pull a trigger,” he said. “Now, does it sound irrational? Of course it sounds irrational. But have you ever been in that situation?” Strolla asked. — Quoted fromContinue reading “White Fear Is Irrational (And Deadly) – Guest post by Nekeisha Alexis-Baker”
The Didache: Anabaptism & Black Theology?
Most people know that I have been shaped deeply by two Christian traditions and allow those streams to intersect (harmoniously at times, while other times with a bit of tension) in a dialogically manner. Those traditions are Anabaptism and Black Church theology. The reason for this engagement mostly comes from the reality that those twoContinue reading “The Didache: Anabaptism & Black Theology?”
Do You See This Woman?: Renisha McBride and the Imago Dei
In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus is invited over to a pharisee’s house for a dinner party. He has a place and space reserved at the table. His presence is welcomed. However, a woman realizes that Jesus will be at this home and decides to come by unannounced. However, the pharisee hosting the party only saw aContinue reading “Do You See This Woman?: Renisha McBride and the Imago Dei”