African Jesus example essay topic

361 words
'Black' theology, much like feminist theology, deals with being the oppressed. With that, faith comes out from knowing we are oppressed in order to believe / teach us to be happy. This is because our oppression brings us closer to God. Thus, we understand God's word better by speaking to those who are persecuted.

Solle goes on saying that we must become 'black'. Not as a race, per say, but for our experiences with suffering as a group (not as an individual) (pg 97). A major point was that of the great humanitarian Martin Luther King Jr... In one of his speeches he pointed out that America will 'break' if it did not justify that poverty was wrong and to bring peace. Then Sollegoes on to say that he was then assassinated. With this she makes a symbolic notion that Dr. King was the backbone of America (representing oppression) who received God's undying love.

However, since American's denied justice- out backbone was crushed (his murder). I loved this chapter. It all makes sense now! Caucasian (male) theologians take the Bible towards them (says Solle); however, African Americans take the words in, not only for themselves but to all that suffers. To become 'black' may be hard for some people because they have never been oppressed!

And I feel that many people (even those who are African / African American) may never reach that level of understanding because those who are oppressed do not like to suffer. One question that comes into mind is in a picture form. The Bible describes Jesus to have wool like hair. However, the most common picture of Jesus is with Him having fair skin and long flowing dirty blond hair.

When a person sees and African Jesus painted on a wall-questions do arise (a form of monopoly is being played with the picture). By doing this we place Jesus out of the category of Himself. What does that say about our faith? Furthermore, are we playing the role of the redeemed or the oppressor?