On Sunday our sermon focused on the prophesy as one mode in which the church serves as a faithful presence in the world. Here are some additional resources.
First, I referred to the story of Kashi, someone rescued from trafficking and slavery by International Justice Mission. Here is her story. Find out more about IJM's work here.
There is a lot more I could have said about the prophetic word of the Christian church in our society, especially when it comes to matters of race and social justice. That voice was rekindled during the upheavals after the George Floyd incident. Now, we are sadly embroiled in all sorts of conflicts about the theoretical underpinnings of a prophetic word on race. There are definitely secular frameworks that are antithetical at key points to the Gospel and a biblical vision for racial justice (see, for instance, the more Marxist inspired versions of so-called 'critical race theory').
There is, however, a rich and reputable prophetic tradition on race, especially within the African American community itself. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr's ministry needs to be interpreted in that context. This insightful talk amongst Jewish leaders explores MLK as an heir to the Old Testament prophetic tradition. Here is more on what influenced King's prophetic vision.
Some have argued that African American churches have (or should have) a prophetic role in American Christianity in general.
For instance, more recently, in Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope, Anglican priest and theologian Esau McCaulley argues that traditional Black church readings of the Bible provide a valuable and hopeful lens through which to interpret Scripture. You might say: there is within the experience of African American Christians an intrinsically prophetic voice. He emphasizes the historical roots of African American theology, which embraces both a commitment to biblical orthodoxy and an emphasis on social justice and liberation, stemming from the experience of slavery, segregation, and systemic injustice. McCaulley contends that this interpretive approach allows for an honest engagement with the Bible’s implications for social justice, racial reconciliation, and hope amidst suffering. He critiques both secular and certain evangelical interpretations of Scripture, arguing that the Bible addresses real-world injustices and advocates for a vision of liberation and justice that resonates deeply with the Black experience. McCaulley sees this interpretive tradition as affirming both personal faith in Christ and active participation in the struggle for justice, which he believes is central to the gospel.
I could go on...but all to say is: this just illustrates how the prophetic word of the church can still speak to circumstances today and challenge us as a parish to live that out faithfully within the world.
Comments