The Divided Mind of the Black Church: Theology, Piety, and Public Witness

A revealing look at the identity and mission of the black church

What is the true nature and mission of the church? Is its proper Christian purpose to save souls, or to transform the social order? This question is especially fraught when the church is one built by an enslaved people and formed, from its beginning, at the center of an oppressed community's fight for personhood and freedom. Such is the central tension in the identity and mission of the black church in the United States.

For decades the black church and black theology have held each other at arm's length. Black theology has emphasized the role of Christian faith in addressing racism and other forms of oppression, arguing that Jesus urged his disciples to seek the freedom of all peoples. Meanwhile, the black church, even when focused on social concerns, has often emphasized personal piety rather than social protest. With the rising influence of white evangelicalism, biblical fundamentalism, and the prosperity gospel, the divide has become even more pronounced.

In The Divided Mind of the Black Church, Raphael G. Warnock, Senior Pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the spiritual home of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., traces the historical significance of the rise and development of black theology as an important conversation partner for the black church. Calling for honest dialogue between black and womanist theologians and black pastors, this fresh theological treatment demands a new look at the church's essential mission.

Author: Raphael G. Warnock
Publisher: New York University Press
Published: 12/06/2013
Pages: 276
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.40w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780814794463


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 12/09/2013
Chronicle of Higher Education 01/17/2014 pg. 15
Christian Century 04/30/2014 pg. 27
Choice 07/01/2014
Christian Century 10/15/2014 pg. 25

About the Author
Reverend Dr. Raphael G. Warnock is a United States Senator for Georgia. He previously served as Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church (Atlanta, Georgia).