Departure From Black Liberation Theology

The Departure From Black Liberation Theology. Womanist theologians do not completely depart from the major views seen in black liberation theology. In fact, it is impossible to understand the role of Christ for the black female without examining black liberation theology and The Black Church. Womanist theology both expands and challenges methodologies used in black liberation theology. Black liberation theology arose out of the Black Power Movement. Black liberation theology’s goal is to expand the possibilities for black people. James H. Cone, regarded as the founder of black liberation theology, issued provocative arguments against white supremacy and stated that Christianity as he knew it was incapable of speaking or relating to black people. Cone argued that Christianity was drawn from the experiences of the white
Williams emphasizes a contrasting view from the previous theologians for the black female’s relationship with Jesus. Williams rejects Jesus as a surrogate for humankind’s sins. Williams takes issue with the idea of surrogacy. Williams’ reference to the surrogate mother Hagar acting as a model for black women, means that black women should not accept Jesus as a surrogate. Williams argues that Jesus on the cross should not be a model for black women. Williams writes, “If black women accept this idea of redemption, can they not also passively accept the exploitation that surrogacy brings?” (Williams “Sister in” 162). In rejecting the cross, Williams instead focusses on the vision that was offered by Jesus through his ministry as presented in the Synoptic Gospels. For example, the moral guidance as shown through the beatitudes and parables. In Sisters in the Wilderness Williams explains that her womanist perspective focuses on the idea of vision. This vision extends past liberation from oppression and into a way of life. Williams argues that black females should strive to look towards Jesus’ ministry as a model for living their