The Theme of Liberation
Throughout the book, the author, James Cone, talks about the liberation of black people. The author asserts that white Gospel leaders need to preach about liberation. Theologians should preach the gospel of liberation. The oppressed people must be liberated. Jesus used to preach the gospel of liberating the poor and weak from social oppression. Poor people have been subjected to injustices and poverty. Therefore, they need to be liberated from such misfortunes.
The Theme of Religion
James Cone discusses the religion of Christianity and how it is supposed to be carried out. According to him, people who practice Christianity should preach the gospel of delivering others from struggles. Jesus Christ is an embodiment of Christianity religion and every Christian should emulate him. In almost all the sections of this book, the author talks about the religion of Christianity.
The Theme of Social Stratification
The book narrates about differences in social class between white and black people. Cone categorizes religion based on race and social class to show how people group themselves according to socioeconomic status. The author denounces the gospel preached by white people. He believes that white people perceive black people as their servants. White people including theologians see themselves as the ruling force of society. Therefore, social class exists in the gospel.
The Conflict between White Theology and Black theology
The conflict between white theology and black theology is evident. Cone believes that the conflict is brought by the theological perspectives concerning the oppression of blacks. White theologians preach about social interests rather than preaching against the culture of struggle and suffering. Jesus Christ manifested himself through poor and oppressed people in society. Therefore, theology should be based on the liberation of the oppressed.
The Theme of Suffering and Oppression
Generally, the book explores the oppression subjected to black people. Despite the suffrage, people who should condemn such incidences seem to be carefree. Poverty and injustices have been long experienced by the black community in the U.S. However, white theologians ignore these oppressions and instead defend injustices.
