theology of suffering

I Am Malcolm X

The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Malik Zulu Shabazz (New Black Panthers), James Cone, Pastor Freddy Haynes, and so many more liberation theologians and homiletical geniuses and socialists like Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Dr. Cornel West; all have one thing in common, they all benefitted greatly from the work of our beloved brotha, our prince of Harlem, and prophet who spoke up for black suffering and brought a new conscious to the thought, none like no other Malcolm X I wasnt born when Malcolm was around, but I know from what I read that Malcolm was a bad brotha. It's a new book out on him, but I dont care too much about his sex life, who he knew, and all the dirt, but I care most about the brotha was his ability to transform his life in prison, and then rise up to be this voice of the people. This voice for black nationalism, this voice for black conscious and the popular black liberation theology America condemned and judged Rev. Jeremiah Wright when he spoke to black suffering and the hypocrisy of America, Rev. Wright quoted Malcolm X when he said; "America's chickens are coming home to roost". This same quote which Malcolm stated to the press on the assassination of JFK which got Malcolm silenced by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and marked for death afterwards. I am Malcolm because I speak out, I stand up and dont mind dealing with the controversy that comes with the territory of speaking up, standing out and speaking truth to power. Few preachers, have the sense to guide their people off this type of preaching or theology because it's viewed as dangerous, when black men sit every Sunday in pews looking more from preacher than just; "wont he do it, and aint he alright", but speak to my suffering brotha preacher!

A theology of suffering « Christ centred mission

In my last post, i criticised the high contextualised model of ministry. One of my major concerns with this model, which i expressed, was it’s lack of a theology of suffering, or a theology of persecution. Why, within this model, is it a negative to be rejected for Jesus? The most obvious answer to that question, is the lack of future opportunity to share the gospel. I respect that answer, but feel unsatisfied that it alone, has enough force to ingnore the biblical data and historical reality.

Let me discuss now, a further response to my criticism. I have heard it many times before, so it’s obviously a common reaction to the type of criticism i offered. It is this: “well it’s easy for you to sit there in the west and criticise our approach, but how about you come here and try to see your friends captured, imprisoned, beaten and even killed for their faith.”

This is a forceful response, and i acknowledge the weight of it. It is easy to criticise when one is divorced from the situation. But i still find it unsatisfactory in many ways which i will outline below.

Let me offer a disclaimer at this point however. This is a big topic, and indeed one i feel very uncomfortable with. I have reflected upon it often for my own future ministry. But, what i want to be is biblical, not subjective. God glorifying, not man glorifying. I am slowly developing my own theology of suffering, and indeed anyone interested in cross cultural ministry should seriously reflect upon it.

Here is my further response:

1. While it is true, that the best evaluation must come from the ground, it is nonetheless important to get reflection from outsiders. I believe it is entirely appropriate for westerners to discuss a theology of suffering, particularly related to gospel proclamation. I offer this for several reasons. First, being on the ground may cloud your biblical judgment in these matters. When one is highly involved, emotionally involved in a particular situation, it can become difficult to look at the issue from all angles. So while i agree, that outsiders must not push their complete agenda onto the missionary, none the less, the missionary must not isolate himself from the west either. An outsiders perspective can give valuable insights which otherwise may not be seen. It is my hope and prayer, that in my own work i will try to honour this perspective.

Of Mice and Men

Three cups of tea, one man's mission to promote peace -- one school at a time

Theology, in a series of sermons in the order of the Westminster shorter catechism

The pillars of the earth

Anne of Green Gables