Black Christology and the Quest for Authenticity

Black Christology and the Quest for Authenticity: A Philosophical Appraisal constitutes a philosophical inquiry on Black Theology and its attendant Black Christology. Explicitly, the philosophical examination of Black Theology conceptually maps its quest for establishing Black Christology as an authentic form within Christian theology. This text critically expounds on the methodologies and arguments, which guide how Black Theology specifically affirms Black Christology as the definitive paradigm for authentic Christianity. Significantly, the racialized character of Black Theology immediately sets this discourse within the context of philosophy of race. Clearly, the philosophy of race in terms of its substance and scope is continually expanding. Notably, the philosophy of religion in its conceptual association with the African American experience considerably enriches the content of the philosophy of race. Therefore, Black Christology and the Quest for Authenticity: A Philosophical Appraisal stands as a unique contribution to philosophy of race. Summarily, while this book tackles the formidable problem of Christian theological subject matter, nonetheless, the reader must be aware that this is not a work executed methodologically in any theological manner, inclusive of Christian theology. Subsequently, while the object of our investigation substantively remains theological in character, the method of investigation is guided by philosophical inquiry, which is based on secular principles. Furthermore, although, most mainstream works in philosophy of religion, along with theology neglect to exam African American theologians and philosophers, the subject matter of Black Christology substantially facilitates in filling this intellectual void.

Building on the groundbreaking work of William R. Jones, John McClendon has turned his considerable talents to the philosophy of religion, Black Power and Black Christology. Through the lens of dialectical materialism, McClendon presents a delightful, shrewd and very perceptive look at the problems and issues surrounding the philosophy of Black religion. This seminal book combines scholarly breadth, judicious examination and philosophical acumen to provide the most in-depth treatment of James Cone, Howard Thurman, Leon E. Wright, Richard McKinney, Albert Cleage, Major Jones and so many others. For the reader who wants to develop a more complex understanding of Black theology, McClendon provides a much needed roadmap through the dense pathways of Black religion and Black Christology. Whether you are an atheist, free thinker or have religious commitments, this book is worth a read. Beyond a doubt, this book will challenge, and immensely repay, the careful attention of the reader. Through meticulous annotation, McClendon provides the reader with a mountain of sources on Biblical scholarship, philosophy of religion and Black theology. And, lastly, with great philosophical skill he brings out the significance of key debates in the world of Black Theology, particularly as it relates to race, racism and historical criticism. Black Christology and the Quest for Authenticity is nothing short of an intellectual tour de force. It establishes McClendon as the premier Black intellectual of our times!, Building on the groundbreaking work of William R. Jones, John McClendon has turned his considerable talents to the philosophy of religion, Black Power and Black Christology. Through the lens of dialectical materialism, McClendon presents a delightful, shrewd and very perceptive look at the problems and issues surrounding the philosophy of Black religion. This seminal book combines scholarly breadth, judicious examination and philosophical acumen to provide the most in-depth treatment of James Cone, Howard Thurman, Leon E. Wright, Richard McKinney, Albert Cleage, Major Jones and so many others. For the reader who wants to develop a more complex understanding of Black theology, McClendon provides a much needed roadmap through the dense pathways of Black religion and Black Christology. Whether you are an atheist, free thinker or have religious commitments, this book is worth a read. Beyond a doubt, this book will challenge, and immensely repay, the careful attention of the reader. Through meticulous annotation, McClendon provides the reader with a mountain of sources on Biblical scholarship, philosophy of religion and Black theology. And, lastly, with great philosophical skill he brings out the significance of key debates in the world of Black Theology, particularly as it relates to race, racism and historical criticism. Black Christology and the Quest for Authenticity establishes McClendon as the premier Black intellectual of our times!, Dr. McClendon has written a “tour de force” analysis of Black theology and the question of the Black Christ. Dr. McClendon defines White Christology or the White evangelical right as heretical. This work, with extensive scholarly citations, is a bibliographic source of the complete writings of “biblical Scripture.” Therefore, the words I can share with the reader are that Black Christology is an awesome, at times intimidating, but mostly an inspirational critical inquiry into Jesus as the authentic Black Christ., Important… whatever the description that is attached to this work in the future, ‘important’ must be a part of that description. John McClendon has managed to meet both of my qualifications for an interesting philosophical work: 1. He attempts to clarify the understanding of a relevant problem. 2. He also attempts to make life, particularly human life, better. In a moment, where humanity is often forgotten in Philosophy, the most humanistic of disciplines, John manages to find a way to keep the tension.

John H. McClendon III is professor in the Department of Philosophy at Michigan State University.