Revolutionary Theology: Black Power, Consciousness, and James Hal Cone's Prophetic Vision for America

A comprehensive engagement with the work of James Hal Cone, offering new insights into white supremacy, black power and the function of religion in society “Truly groundbreaking ... Farr provides a much-needed ‘Black philosophy of liberation’” Harry H. Singleton III, Lilly Director of Faith-Based Education and Engagement, International African American Museum “In this major work, Farr examines James Cone’s theology through a Black philosopher’s lens, resisting Black erasure through biography, autobiography, and critique of white supremacy. He makes a compelling case for religion’s continuing importance in the struggle for Black liberation” Leah D. Schade, Associate Professor, Lexington Theological Seminary, and author of Preaching and Social Issues Revolutionary Theology shines new light on the influential thought of James Hal Cone, the pioneering Black liberation theologian. Author Arnold L. Farr explores Cone’s life, writings, and his powerful vision of Black liberation theology, confirming their relevance for the fight against white supremacy today. Centred on the concepts of “Black consciousness” and “Black power” in theology and beyond, the book maps Cone’s project as an attempt to overturn white supremacy in theology, in the church, and in American society. After charting the origins and evolution of Black liberation theology, Farr applies Cone’s insights towards developing a critical political theology for non-religious people—arguing that the liberation movement within religion, as demonstrated through the Black Radical Tradition, has much to contribute to the wider pursuit of social justice. Arnold L. Farr is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Kentucky. He is the author of Critical Theory and Democratic Vision. Revolutionary Theology shines new light on the influential thought of James Hal Cone, the pioneering Black liberation theologist. Author Arnold L. Farr explores Cone's life, writings and his powerful vision of Black liberation theology, confirming their relevance for the fight against white supremacy today. Centred on the concepts of 'black consciousness' and 'black power' in theology and beyond, the book maps Cone's project as an attempt to overturn white supremacy in theology, the church and in American society altogether. Farr charts the origins and changes in Black liberation theology. He goes on to broaden Cone's insights and apply them towards developing a critical political theology for non-religious people – arguing that the liberation movement within religion, as demonstrated through the Black Radical Tradition, has much to contribute to the pursuit of social justice.