Black Church Studies

Religious StudiesOver the last thirty years African American voices and perspectives have become essential to the study of the various theological disciplines. Writing out of their particular position in the North American context African American thinkers have contributed significantly to biblical studies theology church history ethics sociology of religion homiletics pastoral care and a number of other fields. Frequently the work of these African American scholars is brought together in the seminary curriculum under the rubric of the black church studies class. Drawing on these several disciplines the black church studies class seeks to give an account of the broad meaning of Christian faith in the African American experience. Up to now however there has not been a single comprehensive textbook designed to meet the needs of students and instructors in these classes. Black Church Studies: An Introduction will meet that need. Drawing on the work of specialists in several fields it introduces all of the core theological disciplines from an African American standpoint from African American biblical interpretation to womanist theology and and ethics to sociological understandings of the life of African American churches. It will become an indispensable resource for all those preparing to serve in African American congregations or to understand African American contributions to the study of Christian faith.Looks at the diverse definitions and functions of the Black Church as well as the ways in which race class religion and gender inform its evolution.Provides a comprehensive view of the contributions of African American Scholarship to the current theological discussion.Written by scholars with broad expertise in a number of subject areas and disciplines.Will enable the reader to relate the work of African American theological scholars to the tasks of preaching teaching and leading in local congregations.Will provide the reader the most comprehensive understanding of African American theological scholarship available in one volume.Stacey Floyd-Thomas Brite Divinity SchoolJuan Floyd-Thomas Texas Christian UniversityCarol B. Duncan Wilfrid Laurier UniversityStephen G. Ray Jr. Lutheran Theological Seminary-PhiladelphiaNancy Lynne Westfield Drew UniversityTheology/Theology and Doctrine/Contemporary Theology