Someone looking at the title of this essay, or in other words, ¨judging the book by its cover,¨ will say ¨What?¨ They will ask how a theologian can pose such a position. People will ask me ¨If theology is oppressive, as you say it is, why then are you engaged in it? Why are you teaching it? Why do you write articles, essays, and treatises on it?" These are fair and valid questions. I will attempt to answer those questions in the best way I can, without having the reader conclude that what I am doing is ¨dancing around the mulberry bush¨ and dodging the questions In the vein of a well-known African-American theologian, James Cone, I would say that if theology is done independently of the situation of oppressed and suffering people, it is demonic. Any discourse which claims to have God as its ¨center,¨ and does not involve dialogue with suffering people, is preposterous at best, and totally dishonest and pseudo at worst. Any conversation about God or gods, religiosity, spirituality, etc., which does not take into account human suffering is ¨bull dung.¨ Not only is it a waste of time, but it is also total blasphemy. Any religious or theological enterprise which does not have human suffering as its main agenda, is nothing more, and nothing less than a self-absorbed one which needs to be which needs to be called into question, identified, unmasked, and totally denounced. Any theology which legitimizes any human system of colonization, classism, racism, and sexism is totally false and has no place in the Christian tradition. Any theology which uses or hides behind the Scriptures as a cloak or mantra to justify and validate oppression of any type is demonic and must be done away with. The God who brings about human suffering must be assassinated. We can no longer continue to place people on the sacrificial altar of ¨doctrinal purity." Theology must be in conversation with and respondent to the reality of human suffering.
In the Name of the Creator, and of the Word, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dr. Juan A. Carmona
Visiting Professor of Theology
Tainan Theological College/Seminary
Your clarity of vision and boldness in sharing your perspective has helped me greatly as I journey toward truth and love. Keep it up. I benefit from and appreciate your thoughts. You are helping me become a better human and follower of Christ.
ReplyDeleteBro. Gordon: I hope that you are well in general, and in your spiritual journey in particular. I have certainly appreciated your input and remarks on this forum. Peace be with you my brother.
ReplyDelete