Essay Questions

Why is Cone in conflict with white theologians?

According to Cone, he has struggled to reconcile his views with those of white theologians. While they are both analyzing the same texts and doctrines, they interpret them in different ways. Cone states that "white theologians argued that my reading was subjective and ideological and theirs was objective and correct." Therefore, the conflict exists due to an inability to acknowledge biblical readings as subjective interpretations.

What two things shaped Cone's consciousness?

In the introduction to the text, Cone states that there were two things that shaped his consciousness and opinions, which were "the black Church experience and the sociopolitical significance of white people."

He goes onto explain that the black Church showed him that there was a presence of the "divine Spirit," and made him realized the unique role of religion within the black community. Next, Cone explains that "white people did everything within their power to define black reality, to tell us who we were." As such, this was a significant factor in shaping Cone's worldview and theology.

What did being 'put in one's place' mean for Cone?

Cone explains that "to be put in one's place, as defined by white society, was a terrible reality for blacks in Bearden." This involved police brutality, segregation in public places and schools through the policy of "separate but equal," and even turning the other cheek when experiencing overt acts of racism.