Decolonizing Theology: A Caribbean Perspective

by Noel Leo Erskine

This book is a historical study of the complex nature of Afro-Christianity in the Caribbean and the American South. This study is an in-depth assessment of the Caribbean Church, Black Theology, Revivalism, and Rastifarianism. Continuing in the tradition of Vincent Harding, Gayraud Wilmore, and James Cone, Erskine holds that Black Religion embodies visions of liberation that are secular as well as spiritual. On the basis of his own experience and research, Professor Erskine chronicles the struggle of Black people for freedom against bondage, for justice against oppression, for identity against anonymity, and for full humanity of all persons and communities.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Abbey Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. I was worried that I'd be lost because I knew virtually nothing about Caribbean history or theology, and I've only had limited exposure to liberation theology (via Cornell West). But this functioned as a great introduction to all of those topics.

Some themes Dr. Erskine employed to support his project:
- Colonial theology as ahistorical, overly focused on eschatological hope. Dualism justifies slavery; black souls will be free in the eschaton, no need to liberate black bodies in the present. Conceptions of sin as mostly individual, setting brother against brother and dividing communities.
- 'Decolonized' theology (generally) as embracing the incarnation as God's action within history. Jesus is victorious; therefore, the oppressed can hope and work towards liberation on earth. The inextricability of body and soul. True humanity as free humanity-- liberation and equality of all people as the natural end of the gospel. Interprets sin as not only individual but collective; the black community works together towards dismantling sinful orders in society.