October sees Black History Month begin in the UK, and to mark the month, I am sharing some of my personal favourite reads which cover a range of topics within the scope of Black theology. All the recommended books show how Black theology is intersectional with different experiences and identities, and highlight how important it is to understand Black theology outside of the theological vacuum it can be presented in. With each book and scholar bringing a unique perspective, this list will have a recommendation to suit the interests of everyone, whether you have studied Black theology before, or if this is your first introduction to it.
‘A Black Theology of Liberation’ by James Cone.
James Cone was a Methodist Minister and theologian, who is considered as the founder of Black theology. He grounded his theology in personal experience, the experiences of other African American people, and Liberation theology. Published in 1969, A Black Theology of Liberation is a foundational book to the field of Black theology and establishes a lens through which Black theology can begin to develop. Drawing on his experiences, Cone sought to bring together theology, politics, and the Black Arts Movement to create a new way of thinking for the Black church. He emphasises the need for a theology that aligns with the struggle for racial justice. With insights into oppression, freedom, and solidarity, Cone’s seminal work is a must read for anyone with an interest in theology and social justice.
‘Womanist Theological Ethics’ an edited collection by Katie G. Cannon, Emilie M. Townes, and Angela D. Sims.
Katie G. Cannon, Emilie M. Townes, and Angela D. Sims, all Womanist theologians, brought together a range of perspectives and ideas in their edited collection, which was first published in 2011. Using a Womanist theological and ethical lens, a range of scholars explore ethical issues, incorporating the experiences of Black women into their discussions. Throughout each piece, there is a clear emphasis on ensuring the intersectionality of Womanism is highlighted. Bringing together race, gender, class, and other social factors, Womanist Theological Ethics highlights the intersectionality of identities to bring nuance to discussions of oppression and social justice. Highly valuing a community-based and community-shaped approach to justice, I highly recommend this book to those who are interested in expanding their knowledge of Womanism and Womanist theology.
‘Katie’s Canon: Womanism and the Soul of the Black Community’ by Katie G. Cannon.
Katie G. Cannon was the first African-American woman to be ordained in the United Presbyterian Church, and wrote extensively about Womanist theology, American Christian theology, and Black theology. Published in 1998 (with a 25th anniversary edition being published in 2021), Cannon’s work was pivotal in the development of Womanist theology. She brought together her lived experiences to reflect on race, gender, and communal wellbeing to explore theological and ethical issues Black women face. Cannon’s theological perspectives challenge traditional theological approaches which overlook the experiences of Black women, and challenges mainstream Feminist theology, which lacked intersectionality between race and gender. With an emphasis on justice, liberation, and the traditions of the Black church to inform Womanist theology, Katie’s Cannon: Womanism and the Soul of the Black Community is recommended to readers with some existing knowledge of Black theology and Feminist theology.
‘Black, Gay, British, Christian, Queer’ by Jarel Robinson-Brown.
Father Jarel Robinson-Brown explores what it means to have intersecting identities in the Church of England. Published in 2020, Robinson-Brown reflects on what it means to be Black, gay, British, and Christian, sharing personal insights into the complexities which come with living within these intersections. Through reflection through his personal experiences, a theological and sociological reflection on the complexities of reconciling faith and sexuality emerges, with personal narratives and affirmation of queer identities woven throughout. A call for inclusion is what rests at the heart of Black, Gay, British, Christian, Queer as a reimagining of what Church spaces could be with a definite welcome for LGBTQ+ people, with a particular focus on the welcome of those from marginalised racial and cultural backgrounds. I recommend this to people with an interest in Queer theology and personal identity, and to people with an interest in Inclusive Church or Honest Church.
‘Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God-Talk' by Delores Williams.
Delores Williams was an American Presbyterian theologian and professor who played a major role in the formation of Womanist theology, providing a critical analysis of traditional theology through the intersection of race and gender. A key aspect of Williams’ book, which I find particularly interesting, is her re-examination of Biblical interpretation, with a specific focus on the story of Hagar. She relates the story of Hagar to the experiences of Black women to highlight resilience, agency, and injustice. Williams also re-imagines theological discourses centred around liberation, justice, and the voices of Black women. Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God-Talk is Williams’ seminal work which advocates for a more inclusive and empowering theology, which emphasises justice, liberation, and the experience of Black women. I recommend this to people with existing knowledge in Womanist theology, Black theology, or Biblical studies, as it may be challenging to fully grasp without these contexts as a starting point.
This list is not complete by any means, and there are more fantastic books out there to be read, but this list provides a starting point for you to begin your reading into Black theology and Womanist theology.