Session 10: Black Ecclesial Theology as a Way Forward
Acts 17:26-27 and Revelation 7:9-12
Preparation Resources
1) Tim Keller sermon: Generous Justice
2) Tim Keller sermon: I Believe
Discussion Topics
1) In his summary of White North American Christianity, McCaulley designates two basic
groups: 1) Those doubtful of scriptural authority, but more strongly inclined to respond
as Christians to alleviate suffering and injustice and 2) Those who emphasized
scriptural authority and doctrine, but were suspicious of a “social gospel” focused on the
sufferings of this life. Does this distinction make sense to you? Elsewhere Wright
alludes to this as a difference in emphasis between justice and justification. Is that
helpful to your understanding?
2) What are some of the most surprising historical facts you learned from this session?
To what extent were you aware of modern intellectual histories other than the
perspectives that centre White-Western history? Why is it important to understand the
history of slavery, the era of Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement in framing our
understanding of the development of Christianity in the United States?
3) McCaulley identifies four broad strands within the African American ecclesial
traditions. How does he define these? What did you learn about each of these? What
questions remain?
a) Transformational strand
b) Conformist strand
c) Pietistic strand
d) Black radical strand
3) Describe some of the resources and gifts that the Black Christian tradition in the
United States gives to the wider world?
4) McCaulley observes that the Black church has had to operate without social power,
“stuck with nothing but the power of God.” How do you react to that statement? How
might that be relevant to the more marginalized American church today?
1) Tim Keller sermon: Generous Justice
2) Tim Keller sermon: I Believe
Discussion Topics
1) In his summary of White North American Christianity, McCaulley designates two basic
groups: 1) Those doubtful of scriptural authority, but more strongly inclined to respond
as Christians to alleviate suffering and injustice and 2) Those who emphasized
scriptural authority and doctrine, but were suspicious of a “social gospel” focused on the
sufferings of this life. Does this distinction make sense to you? Elsewhere Wright
alludes to this as a difference in emphasis between justice and justification. Is that
helpful to your understanding?
2) What are some of the most surprising historical facts you learned from this session?
To what extent were you aware of modern intellectual histories other than the
perspectives that centre White-Western history? Why is it important to understand the
history of slavery, the era of Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement in framing our
understanding of the development of Christianity in the United States?
3) McCaulley identifies four broad strands within the African American ecclesial
traditions. How does he define these? What did you learn about each of these? What
questions remain?
a) Transformational strand
b) Conformist strand
c) Pietistic strand
d) Black radical strand
3) Describe some of the resources and gifts that the Black Christian tradition in the
United States gives to the wider world?
4) McCaulley observes that the Black church has had to operate without social power,
“stuck with nothing but the power of God.” How do you react to that statement? How
might that be relevant to the more marginalized American church today?