Dwight Hopkins 'Black Theology Of Liberation'

In Black Theology of Liberation, author, Dwight Hopkins takes his audience on a journey through religious experience and interpretation by examining the overarching concept of what it means to fulfill both identities of being African American and Christian. In doing so, he introduces what he believes the four major building blocks are that construct black theology of liberation: historical context of slavery, unique interpretation of biblical scripture, relation of gospel experiences to African American freedom struggle, and conclusions about Jesus Christ relating to the black liberation movement. From there he further describes the development of black theology and the sources from which it is derived: the bible and the African American church. He goes on to explain how the first generation of black …show more content…
I understand the fact that considering the oppression African Americans have faced specifically within the United States, it’s plausible to interpret biblical scripture and Jesus’ crucifixion as examples of liberation. I also understand that the experience that African Americans have faced throughout history is far different than my own. However, when I interpret God and reflect on my beliefs as a Catholic, I don’t feel that black theology should be a separate category from theology in general. I struggled reading this book, tossing back and forth between feeling culturally or racially insensitive to the unique struggles blacks face, and feeling that faith in God should not be separated into groups based upon racial experience. I felt this book further drove me to think that due to racial discrimination, African Americans’ spiritual lens has been tinted. Overall this book challenged my way of thinking, changed my perspective on certain issues, but also reinforced my opinions on other