Medium post 5 — 10/7
Firstly, I believe Cone provides a unique perspective on black liberation and their relationship with God and Jesus. I was particularly intrigued by his notions that Jesus is Black and that God is only on the side of the oppressed. Thus, white people do not have the backing of God, and that any theology study that does not center around black existence is futile. In Cone’s theory, because Black people are the most oppressed in American society, theology should be funneled through them and that lens. From this, I was interested in what the means for the role of white people and their existence. While the identification that the current systems need to be overthrown is necessary, I recognize it is not enough. However, I am unclear on how we would do away with whiteness and have doubts that whiteness can ever be truly distant from the social order of society. So I ask, because of the whiteness of someone’s skin, even if they are actively working towards dismantling the system, can they provide any value to God/are they less valuable to God? If a white person is engaging in rebellion against these systems will God show up?
Secondly, I do not necessarily disagree with Cone that the white church has often been the work of the antichrist given its history with racism and oppression. I think religion throughout time has been a tool used by the dominant race to further incriminate black people. Thus, I was surprised when King showed respect towards the white-moderate Clergymen for they seem to share the same Jesus and God. I grapple with his acceptance and love for the Church when it has embodied so much black hate.
As we delved deeper into Cone’s black liberation theology as well as King’s “Letter From Birmingham City Jail”, we set up two very different pathways for black liberation. Under King’s guidance, there is a place for black people within the current system. It simply just needs to be restructured. However, Cone disagrees with this notion that there is anything redeemable about the current system, and with these two differing opinions comes different solutions on best methods moving forward. While King wants non-violent, direct action that leads to negation, Cone is ready to tear the system down. Firstly, Cone’s outlook reminds me of Sharpe’s view of living in the wake and wake work. For her, the only existence for black people within the dominant society is one of submission. The position of black folks in society is a precarious one and thus the only real option is to work from the outside of this unredeemable system that has persecuted and enslaved blacks for so long. If we interconnect Sharpe and Cone’s ideas, then potentially there is a new system built out of rebellion that is completely different from that of the current one. This rebellion would be the work of God helping dismantle the power of white racism/supremacy. Secondly, this concept that God shows up when the oppressed is rebelling against these unfit system brings me to the BLM movement. When churches put up signs stating “All Lives Matter” it could be construed as the work of the antichrist and in direct opposition to the BLM. While they preach inclusion for all, they are not protecting those who need it most. Thus, if rebellion is what is necessary, is black folks burning down buildings and looting considered a needed action discussed in Cone’s black liberation theology? Was it the only way to propose something radical such as defunding the police?
