AN ORIENTATION TO BLACK THEOLOGY AS A HERMENEUTIC OF SUFFERING

  • Richard J Stevens University of the Western Cape
Keywords: Black Liberation Theology, Hermeneutics of suffering

Abstract

Black Liberation Theology is a theology of protest against Western Christianity which traditionally preaches an irrelevant and dominating gospel. It is also a theology born out of the suffering of blacks, women and marginalized peoples.As such, liberation theology grows out of the hermeneutics of suffering. Its constant aim is to correct the debased form of the gospel message toward justice and liberation, as expounded by the oppressor. Apart from the Bible as its primary source, black liberation theology also draws upon the experience of the black community and the black church.It is a liberation theology in the sense that it strives for freedom from alienation, dehumanization and domination. It is the lived experience of people in line with their reading and understanding of Scripture, which opens up a new future for the oppressed. Within such a liberation theology, the redemptive power of Jesus Christ is generated by the oppressed for themselves and for the salvation of those who oppress. This is the faith of the suffering people.

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Author Biography

Richard J Stevens, University of the Western Cape
Department of Biblical Studies
Published
2020-09-07
Section
Articles