James Evans We Shall All Be Change

Great Essays
Title and Introduction

James H. Evans Jr. We Shall All Be Changed – Social Problems and Theological Renewal Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1997. 122. Currently serving as Robert K. Davies Professor of Systematic Theology at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, James J. Evans is a theologian and author of multiple books within the study of theology and also African American studies. We Shall All Be Changed is a socio-historical critique of the problems faced by African Americans with regard the rhetoric of race, health, religion, and culture. Evans exhibits these difficulties and a theological, social solution in view of a “transformed” eschatological view of the “Beloved Community.” For those that are exploring the causes and theological
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He argues, this rhetoric along with other historically accepted rhetoric has caused the ultimate social problems, as this rhetoric is not practically solving the problems but is shaping the “social dimensions of life itself.” For this reason, Evans posits in his introductory chapter that, too often, one views a social problem in light of human sciences. The disconnect with these problems is that one must view social problems in light of the knowledge and character of God, he says “…God is not the problem in human existence; rather, our understanding of human problems must be brought face to face with the God who accompanies us…” Furthermore, suggests Evans, the “Negro Problem” in the United States is not a matter that needs social intervention. If change is going to happen, consequently it must start in the realm of theology and then be …show more content…
Evan's final analysis is that those who hold an annihilationist view will ultimately compromise their ability to effect social change. This view fails "to connect our desire for spiritual renewal to our need for social transformation." The Church longs restoration to Christ, yet under the rhetoric of the ultimate destruction Earth, there is little motivation to believe that social change is necessary as spiritual renewal will only happen at the end of time. Recognizing that social renewal must take place for the “Negro Problem” to be solved, it becomes imperative that the church embrace an eschatology of spiritual renewal as an earthly and spiritual goal which will transform society. Consequently, the Kingdom of Heaven will take place on Earth and usher in the end of time as a

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