The Black Church Studies Reader

Alton B. Pollard, Carol B. Duncan, Alton B. Pollard, Carol B. Duncan

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9781349574223, 9781137552877
• eBook ISBN: 9781137534552
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Biblical Studies
• Index: Social Sciences

The Black Church Studies Reader addresses the depth and breadth of Black theological studies, from Biblical studies and ethics to homiletics and pastoral care. The book examines salient themes of social and religious significance such as gender, sexuality, race, social class, health care, and public policy. While the volume centers around African American experiences and studies, it also attends to broader African continental and Diasporan religious contexts. The contributors reflect an interdisciplinary blend of Black Church Studies scholars and practitioners from across the country. The text seeks to address the following fundamental questions: What constitutes Black Church Studies as a discipline or field of study? What is the significance of Black Church Studies for theological education? What is the relationship between Black Church Studies and the broader academic study of Black religions? What is the relationship between Black Church Studies and local congregations (as well as other faith-based entities)? The book's search for the answers to these questions is compelling and illuminating.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Foreword
• Prologue
• The Black Church Studies Reader: An Introduction
• Part I: Origins
• Part II: ProgramInitiatives
• Part III: Purpose and Power
• Part IV: Preaching and Poetics
• Part V: Practices and Policy
• Part VI: Transatlantic Crossings
• Part VII: Coming Full Circle
• Epilogue: The Endarkenment: A Parable
• List of Contributors
• Index