“DEAR GOD, AT WHAT A COST?”
- Rashad Moore
- May 31, 2020
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 5, 2024
TOWARD A THEOLOGY OF HISTORICALLY BLACK EDUCATION
May 31, 2020
Black Liberation Theology finds its roots in the struggle for freedom from slavery in the United States, preserved through the preaching and social activism of Black churches and leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Fannie Lou Hamer, whose messages were characterized by prophetic rage and unapologetic Black pride. Dr. Moore’s encounter with James Cone, a pioneer of Black Liberation Theology, during their time at Union Theological Seminary, ignited his passion for this distinct theological tradition, which focuses on giving voice to suffering and challenging oppression faced by Black communities, including Black women, LGBTQ individuals, and non-binary individuals.
While Black Liberation Theology addresses suffering and oppression, Moore’s interest in philosophy of education led him to seek new possibilities for transformative change, bridging the gap between theory and practice. As a student and minister in Harlem, he grappled with a dual consciousness, navigating between the worlds of liberation theology and educational philosophy. Dr. Moore proposes a dialogue between liberation theologians and philosophers of education, aiming to transform classrooms from environments of death to spaces that affirm life. He suggests exploring scenes of violence and suffering in educational settings as a starting point for this conversation, highlighting the potential for collaboration between these two disciplines to create more inclusive and empowering educational experiences.