To hear a discussion of Black Liberation Theology from an American standpoint click on the following link and listen to the pod-cast. This should not be confused with black liberation theology in Central or South America. There are differences.
Are they a Christian denomination ? What's their official stance on the resurrection of Christ ? What do they teach of repentance ? I have studied them, and find none of these mentioned. I cannot find, in American Black Liberation Theology, and reference to Jesus being the son of God.
A typical Black Liberation Theology church would be Trinity United Church of Christ. They are franchised, and their websites are free to view. If you can find a salvation message on any of them go ahead and post it.
CTB, I appreciate this informative thread. Sadly, MOST (although certainly not all) non-Blacks who enjoy white privilege cringe at ideologies like this because it addresses and calls to the carpet their racism...remember men love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-20). Most non-minorities are at least aware of the existence of systematic racism in America and some will even admit it. And most whites with a decent college education have at least been introduced to critical race theory. At the end of it all, Black liberation theology will always be labeled "heretical, ungodly, and evil" by those who aren't Black due to the fact that racism stems from prejudicial ignorance. That's the spiral of ignorance—an ignorant person is ignorant to the fact that they are ignorant.
Yes the blog you linked to is an excellent one. He says well in his three points what I have thought, however he says it better than I can. His main three points are excellent. I will paste the below:
1. If we admit to the existence of systemic racism in America, it will prove false the American narrative so many of us grew up believing.
2. If we admit to the existence of systemic racism in America, it makes us guilty.
3.
If we admit to the existence of systemic racism, it would demand costly change.
It is very telling that this topic cannot be discussed calmly. The hysteria that results from an OP such as this one or whenever the topic comes up shows this issue is still very much unresolved. It is the same, if not worse, in Europe where they simply refuse to even consider if their society has prejudice or not.
I posted the OP so that people on the BB could listen and gain an understanding of what Black Liberation Theology is about. Of course, I immediately received knee-jerk replies from folk who had their minds made up and did not listen to the interview. You know, it is the old attitude of, 'don't bother me with the facts, my mind is already made up'. There are others who will listen and gain some understanding. Whether they agree or not is up to them. But they will have gained knowledge.
Your sentence "That's the spiral of ignorance—an ignorant person is ignorant to the fact that they are ignorant" is right-on. So sad, but true.
My experience, and this is just my experience so it's not indicative of the whole of BLT, is that the Black Liberation Theologists I've been privileged to speak with, mainly on my college campus, and only briefly, all expressed the same interest and desire toward collective salvation. Perhaps it was jsut the group that I spoke with, but they really stressed works-based collective salvation.
And yes, your last line there is pretty good, RT. :thumbsup:
I'll be first to admit that it definitely can use some tweaking lol. Cone's BLT does emphasize a collective salvation. Classical theology stresses individual salvation though with poor emphasis on corporate or collective salvation. Somehow, the dualism of personal and corporate (along with earthly and heavenly salvation) has been lost over the history of Christianity.
This is a subject I have given little thought to, but I do know it is not as cut and dried as some would have us believe. You are right about a slippery slope if we disregard the OT and Israel.
Is that the way salvation works ? The cross saves everyone ? You're really going to argue for a modern collective redemption ? On a Baptist board ? We can argue O/T salvation some other time. Blacks are not covered under any O/T covenant with Israel.
If you are arguing for collective redemption, or corporate salvation, I'm asking that you are banned from the board.
So if one doesn't believe in Black Liberation a theology, he is racist? Why can't one disagree based on doctrine without being racist? Black liberation theology teaches that we should NOT try to walk like Christ, because Christ walked in a different time. We must find our own way. If someone's interpretation of that belief, is that it is heretical, what can't it be based on the belief and not race?
I do not know enough about black liberation theology to say either way on their systematic theological system.
I'm just saying it is very possible, if not likely, that people can disagree based on theological believes. It doesn't have to about race.
Me banned for embracing the duality of personal (Phil. 2:12) and corporate salvation (Eph. 5:25-27)? Sir your ignorance knows no bounds. You despise education and then look to ban anyone who actually reads their Bible. You need a Bible and a classroom and if you do have a Bible you need to learn how to read...and if by chance you can read, then you are simply reprobate.
NO that's not what I'm saying. We can disagree on theological beliefs. As I stated, I myself disagree with BLT's over-emphasis of collective salvation over individual salvation. But I find a theology that embraces personal salvation without concern for one's neighbor to the point of ignoring his plight (Luke 10:25-37) is more heretical than anything. Take a look at the article in that link...it really is a good read. My stress is on the suppression of the truth of systemic racism and one's benefit of that system that BLT teaches.
Once I get the kids to bed I will give it a read. I have been reading Platt's Counter Culture. Chapter 2 or 3 is on Poverty....and basically how most Christians do next to nothing ....makes me feel like crap....., but anyway. I know what you mean "by not caring for you neighbor". I can do much better at that. I need to do better. I think I am 1-2 chapters away from the racism chapter.
It would be great if you gave a review of David Platt's "Counter Culture" when you're done. I'm thinking about giving it a read and I want to know how it is.