Abstract

In chapter one, the dissertation defines what exactly, is black power and what is peace. The remainder of the dissertation is dedicated to understanding the major theological categories in James Cone's work. Chapter two is an exploration of Cone's understanding of God and how exactly black power determines his particular understanding of God. The key argument to be observed is that black power impacts Cone's understanding of God in such a way as to place God squarely in the community of the oppressed. In the community of the oppressed, God fights for the cause of black liberation. By depicting God this way, could this be in violation of peace? Then in chapter three, we turn to an investigation of Cone's understanding of Christology. The important issue before us here is to see how black power uniquely focuses Cone's understanding of Christ's message as being that of black power. That is, Jesus preaches the radical message of black power on behalf of oppressed black people who are seeking liberation from the bondage of white oppression. Is this radical interpretation a violation of peace? Chapter four deals with the notion of human being in Cone's theology. Here, black power encourages Cone to emphasize the blackness of humanity in disregard of humanity's whiteness. The argument in this regard is that blacks in America have been brainwashed to judge themselves in light of whiteness where their humanity is determined by how white one can become. Cone turns the matter around and emphasizes blackness as "beautiful" and as the litmus test to determine what it means to be black and human in America. Turning to chapter five, the investigation moves into an analysis of the black church and what role it plays in the struggle for liberation. By wedding black power with his understanding of ecclesiology, Cone defines the church as a liberating force in the black community where black power is preached and practiced. Then in chapter six, the dissertation discusses Cone's view of ethics. The importance of this discussion lies in whether or not black power ethics seeks reconciliation with white people. Cone's answer is "yes," but on black peoples terms. Finally, the conclusion answers the question if peace has been violated in Cone's radical reinterpretation of theology