In this post I want to talk about another expression of liberation theology which is known as Black Hermenetics. Black Theologians have some of the same concerns that Latin American theologians have expressed in the area of biblical interpretation. However, for the black theologian, the concern is the use of Scripture by the white establishment to oppress the black race. This oppression was clearly seen in the area of slavery in the United States and also in the practice of apartheid in South Africa. It was black theologians' interpretation of Scripture that prodded the civil rights movement in the 50's and 60's. James Cone argues that "the black experience of oppression . . . provides the understanding through which to perceive the God of the Bible as the God of liberation." For the black theologian, any interpretation that does not free the black race from white dominance is not a legitimate interpretation. For this reason many black theologians have pushed for liberation from the traditional interpretation of Scripture.
There is a legitimacy to the black concern as many white believers have used their interpretation of Scripture to suppress and even oppress the black race. This oppression was clearly seen in South Africa where the constitution of the white minority stated that their practices were one "of obedience to Almighty God and to His Holy Word." No wonder black theologians look with suspicion on the white interpretation of Scripture. However, this practice today is only by a few who are out of the main stream of biblical thought.
The area where black theologians have made their biggest mistake is in their desire to have a "black Jesus." As one theologian stated, "if Jesus was not black, then the resurrection has no meaning to the black person." Recently we have heard the Reverend Jeremiah Wright state "I am so glad that I have a Savior who was black and can indentify with the oppression of the black race by the white majority." The idea is pressed further by black theologians with these words "when the poor of North America and the Third World read the passion story of the cross, they do not view it as a theological idea but as God's suffering solidarity with the victims of the world. Jesus's cross is God's election of the poor by taking their pain and suffering upon the divine person." (James Cone, Black Theology in America, Theology Today - Volume 43, #1 - April 1986, page 13).
The problem with such a view is that these individuals have forced an interpretive view of Scripture that has perverted the original intent of Scripture and as a result they have lost the true message. It is not the color of Jesus's skin that is important, but the work that Jesus did on the cross that merits our affection. In their efforts to liberate themselves from their oppressors, the black theologian has created a greater bondage to sin.
For the proponents of black theology, they believe that there can be no salvation of the individual, if there is no salvation of the black race as a whole. Therefore they work to free themselves from oppression from the majority so that there may be collective salvation of their own people. Black theologians have misinterpreted and misapplied the true meaning of Scripture.
Perhaps as we understand this particular view of the Bible it puts into perspective much of what we are experiencing in the world today. We can see why race and class warfare is on the rise and traditional teachings of God's Word are being questioned and often discarded. I will have more to say on this idea in the days to come, so hang in there with me for a few more days. In my next post we will look at the feminist method of interpretion and the impact it has on society today.
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