Theology

‘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 Solle
goes 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? [continues]

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