Reggie L. Williams is Assistant Professor of Christian Ethics at McCormick Theological Seminary. He is a member of the International Dietrich Bonhoeffer Society, as well as the Society for the Study of Black Religion, and a founding member of the Society for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Religion.
"In recent years, scholars have begun to name Bonhoeffer's
experience in Harlem as central to his development, but no one
until now has provided such a rich analysis of the embedded
cultural thinking he had to shed and the degree and manner in which
he did so. Bonhoeffers Black Jesus not only will ignite new
discussions on Bonhoeffer and race, but also will guide readers
into more honest reflection on the entrenched nature of racism and
the deliberative thinking and action necessary for resistance." --
Jennifer M McBride, Regents Chair of Ethics at Wartburg College
"Bonhoeffers Black Jesus is a compelling study of Bonhoeffers
encounter with the Christianity he found alive in the streets of
Harlem and the sanctuary of Abyssinian Baptist Church. These
formative experiences inspired Bonhoeffers efforts to undermine the
false connection between White imperialist identity and Jesus. The
Black Christ that Williams finds in Bonhoeffer challenges all of us
to live more authentically and fully into the call to do justice.
Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus is a must read." -- Emilie M Townes, E
Rhodes & Leona B Carpenter Professor of Womanist Ethics and
Society, Vanderbilt Divinity School
"Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus is destined to transform Bonhoeffer
studies. Previously scholars have focused on Bonhoeffer's
experience that year at Union Theological Seminary, but Williams
makes a plausible case that his experiences in neighboring Harlem
were far more decisive in shaping the man who returned to Germany
to take on the Nazis and the Nazifying Protestant churches." --
David P Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian
Ethics Director, Center for Theology & Public Life, Mercer
University
"This study of Bonhoeffer and the black Christ is a revelation, an
unveiling that illumines the deep places of Bonhoeffers life and
thought. Moreover, Reggie Williams' presentation and writing are
exemplary, within reach of any audience serious about Bonhoeffer."
-- Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor Emeritus of Social
Ethics, Union Theological Seminary, New York City
Reggie William's Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance
Theology and an Ethic of Resistance is one of the best books I've
read in years. I highly recommend it to any reader, particularly
students, pastors, and professors. -- Michael Spalione --
Philomythois
Reggie Williams' Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus ...breaks new ground in
offering a detailed and vibrant portrait of the Harlem Renaissance
that was in full blossom during Bonhoeffer's time in New York. --
Victoria J. Barnett -- Contemporary Church History Quarterly
Williams is wholly at home with Bonhoeffer's life and thought... --
Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr ProfessorEmeritus of Social
Ethics,Union Theological Seminary -- International Bonhoeffer
Society Newsletter
...a highly significant study of Bonhoeffer's powerfully formative
theological development inside the crucible and sublime beauty of
Harlem. It is required reading for anyone seeking a more complex,
constructive, and provocative view of Bonhoeffer, especially as it
provides a dark-hued and somewhat contested thesis that will surely
establish a new benchmark for the vigorous discussions and debates
to come regarding Bonhoeffer's Christological and ethical embrace
of racial alterity and Christian identity. -- James S. Logan --
Modern Theology
...What should the reflective life of a global Christian look like?
Williams' Bonhoeffer brings us close and paves the way for deeper
reflection on the impact of Bonhoeffer's global ministry on his
theology. -- William Young -- Black Theology: An International
Journal
Williams' prose is enthralling, and he successfully engages in
meaningful dialog with earlier literature in ethics, theology, and
black studies. His book is a welcome effort to bridge our
understanding of Bonhoeffer's actions in Germany with motivations
inherited from Black America. It might be useful in both
undergraduate and graduate settings. -- Paul Hillmer -- Lutheran
Quarterly
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
