Introduction
It is hard to disagree that most modern people are aware of the movements of feminism and black people. While these movements are social, it is also essential to consider some theological ideas that drive them and define their purposes and tools. Therefore, this paper explores two theologies of liberation, including black and feminist theologies, focusing on the texts by Murray and Williams and critiquing them.
Before discussing the views of the authors on these theological perspectives and identifying differences and commonalities between them, it is essential to define black theology and feminist theology. According to Murray, “black theology focuses upon the black experience under white racism; feminist theology is concerned with the revolt of woman against male-chauvinist structures of society” (304). Although they have varying focuses, both theologies aim to commit Christians to transforming society and achieving social change.
Different Views
In their writings, Murray and Williams provide brilliant and thought-provoking analyses of black theology and feminist theology and the ways God actually supports their ideas and views. The authors refer to numerous theologians and researchers who explain important concepts behind the theologies and interpret their core messages and tools. For example, while James H. Cone supports violent approaches adopted by black theologians, James Deotis Roberts is against them (Murray 310-311). Roberts and Mary Daly believe that back theology and feminist theology must focus only on the liberation of blacks and women (Murray 310-311). Overall, the authors’ texts are critical and informative as they review different positions, outline concerns faced by theologians, and confirm that weaknesses and strengths are present in the researchers’ ideas.
Theologies and the Search for Wholeness
Certain differences and similarities between the two approaches can be found when exploring the idea of wholeness. First, both theologies are concerned with this goal. Researchers believe that it is essential for females and black persons to be aware of their past experiences to fully realize and efficiently combat the patterns of oppression (Murray 311-312).
At the same time, for many supporters of black theology, the concept of self-search refers to establishing a bridge between the Third World and the Western world, considering that African Americans are partly African and partly American (Murray 312). Therefore, black theology is more concerned with the unity of the worlds. However, for feminist theologians, the core idea is to reconstruct ideology and sexism (Murray 312; Williams 155). Females need to prevent men from defining women’s roles, and for females to create proper future patterns, it is first essential to recreate their usable pasts as her-story.
The Bible, Faith, and Black Theology
It is noticeable that some researchers question the biblical texts as a source of validation of the claim about the liberation of blacks. In her text, Williams explores this concern in depth, providing opinions of different authors and quoting biblical texts to prove that they are rarely concerned with the rights of racial minorities (144-153). According to Cone, “the liberation of black people is God’s liberation” (Murray 309). However, Williams indicates that “the oppressed and abused do not always experience God’s liberating power” (144). This notion raises certain questions about using Biblical texts as theoretical grounds for black theology.
It is evident that God is not against perpetual enslavement, and little support is given to enslaved females. Therefore, to use the power of their faith effectively and apply the Bible as a tool against racism, black theologians need to pay specific attention to the experiences of black women (Williams 145). Suppose black theology adopts some aspects of feminist theology in its reference to the Bible. In that case, it can achieve more because its approaches will be more objective (Williams 150). This is the primary difference between the theologies; while black theology relies heavily on biblical texts and uses them uncritically, feminist theology is more aware and applies a deeper analysis of the ideas of enslavement and liberation.
Lastly, it is also necessary to refer to symbolism when discussing biblical texts and values because specific differences exist between the two theologies. Thus, as mentioned above, black theologies are less focused on God’s questionable position on slavery, womanhood, and liberation. This is why, as Murray states, they have no difficulty with the patriarchal symbolism present in the Bible and the image of God (313). On the contrary, feminist theologians are against such symbols and try to recreate or reshape the symbolism of the cross and weaken the fatherhood of God as a way to subjugate women (Murray 312; Williams 169). This is another great difference between the two theologies.
Common Ethical Tasks
It is possible to indicate that black male liberation theologians and black theology involving female perspectives have similar ethical objectives. According to Williams, male theologians focus on including their consciousness in the theological discourse. At the same time, feminists emphasize the consciousness of women (170).
While the primary objective, which is the “revaluing of value,” might be considered common, there are many differences in the “value” itself and the ways to achieve the aim (Williams 170). For example, male black theologians Roberts and Cone promote the idea of interracial relations between blacks and whites and the concept of “by whatever means necessary,” respectively (Williams 172). While the former refers to love and peace, the latter is related to violence, and both theologians believe they promote acting according to the Bible.
At the same time, feminist theology is concerned with revaluing the value of motherhood and the elements of surrogacy or maternity. Most female approaches emphasize the power of prayer, faith in God’s presence, and non-violent activities (Williams 176). This is also an opportunity to highlight the difference between some approaches to black and feminist theologies, as some researchers find it essential to focus on or deny violence (Murray 310-312; Williams 174-175). Such views exist in both theologies, and the authors of the text pay specific attention to considering them.
Conclusion
To conclude, specific differences and similarities exist between black and feminist theologies. Both approaches are focused on promoting the freedoms and rights of the people they consider oppressed. In these theologies, various ways exist to assess the oppressed communities and fight for their liberation.
The authors of the writings provide unique perspectives on the theologies. While they critique some of their weaknesses, Murray and Williams also highlight their power and the presence of ethical and humanistic concepts in them. Therefore, the texts are thought-provoking and informative in exploring the two theologies.
Works Cited
Murray, Pauli. “Black Theology and Feminist Theology: A Comparative View.” Black Theology: A Documentary History: 1966-1979, edited by James H. Cone and Gayraud S. Wilmore, Orbis Books, 1999, pp. 304-319.
Williams, Delores S. “Womanist God-Talk and Black Liberation Theology.” Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenge of Womanist God-Talk, Orbis Books, 1993, pp. 143-177.