An End to This Strife: The Politics of Gender in African American Churches

by Demetrius K. Williams

Overview

Williams's important work argues that taking the New Testament and particularly Galatians 3:28 seriously should lead black churches to challenge sexism and racism not only in society at large but also in African American churches and denominational bodies. By addressing oppressive practices in African American and other churches, they remain true to the liberation principle of the Biblethe equality of all people before Godwhich has been used effectively by black churches.

His argument unfolds first through looking at the biblical text, especially the figure of Jesus and his ministry and how he broke the social barriers of his day. It then shows how African American Christians have historically appropriated this lens and legacy in their own religious and social experience and explains how this vision pertains to the state of black women in the churches today.

Williams's book will help all Christian churches reappropriate the biblical text and serve as a model for how the Bible can be responsibly employed in the churches and the public arena to promote equality for all people.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780800636371
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	05/12/2004
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Demetrius K. Williams teaches in the Theology Department at Marquette University and is the author of An End to This Strife: The Politics of Gender in African American Churches (2004).

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Preface

Introduction

Part One: Early Christian Experience and Scripture

Jesus, Paul, and a New Paradigm

Scripture, Subjugation, and Silence

Part Two: African American Religious Experience and the Appropriation of Scripture

Proclamation, Protest, and a New Principle

Pulpit, Power, and Prohibitions

Part Three: African American Women's Religious Experience and the Witness of Scripture

Vision, Envision, and Revision

Women, Word, and Witness

Conclusion: "We've Come This Far by Faith"Notes

Selected Bibliography

Index