Decolonizing Evangelicalism: An 11:59 p.m. Conversation

by Randy Woodley, Bo C. Sanders, Grace Ji-Sun Kim (Foreword)

The increasing interest in postcolonial theologies has initiated a vital conversation within and outside the academy in recent decades, turning many “standard theologies” on their head. This book introduces seminary students, ministry leaders, and others to key aspects, prevailing mentalities, and some major figures to consider when coming to understand postcolonial theologies. Woodley and Sanders provide a unique combination of indigenous theology and other academic theory to point readers toward the way of Jesus. Decolonizing Evangelicalism is a starting point for those who hope to change the conversation and see that the world could be lived in a different way. “Postcolonial interpretation is the capacity to think, imagine, know, and act outside the administrated knowledge of the empire. This move ‘outside’ is an urgent but difficult one for those of us who are safely ‘tenured’ in (American!) imperial certitude and security. This readily accessible book helps us to understand the urgency of this move outside and provides categories through which we may reframe and resituate our theology. It is a most welcome starting point for a way of interpretation that is not a fad but a path to more responsible faith.” —Walter Brueggemann, author of The Prophetic Imagination “A ringing call to white Evangelicals to understand and abandon their cultural captivity. One need not embrace every argument to see that the basic message of this book is important and urgent.” —Ronald J. Sider, author of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger “It’s too much to ask, I fear, that the people who most need Decolonizing Evangelicalism will actually read it. Too many of them have given their hearts to the Trump Klan and are too enthralled with The Art of the Deal to read anything else. But perhaps their children and grandchildren will dare to read this powerful book which unfolds as a conversation between two very insightful people with Evangelical roots, one white, one Native American. This book could change the next generation’s understanding of what it means to be Christian, Evangelical, and American (or Canadian), and that would be good news indeed.” —Brian D. McLaren, author of The Great Spiritual Migration “If Evangelical theology has a future, it’s postcolonial. If you are looking for the best introduction to postcolonial theology, this is it!” —Peter Goodwin Heltzel, Associate Professor of Theology, New York Theological Seminary Randy Woodley is a recognized activist/leader and teacher in the fields of Indigenous and Intercultural Studies, Theology, Ecology, and Missiology. He is the author of several books including Shalom and Community of an Indigenous Vision, Living in Embracing God’s Passion for Ethnic Diversity, and The Harmony A Story of Healing and Community. Bo C. Sanders is wrapping up a PhD in Practical Theology and works as a United Methodist minister in Portland, Oregon. Bo employs critical race theory as his lens in the hope of helping communities address issues related to whiteness in the midst of changing demographics and cultural shifts. Randy and Bo have been engaged in serious dialogue on the subject of this book and many others, for over a decade. They continue to exchange views on their podcast, Peacing it All Together, influencing people from all walks of life and faith. Become a part of the discussion at www.PeacingItAllTogether.com

Genres: Indigenous, Faith, Nonfiction, Theology, Spirituality, Religion

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2020

About the author

Rev. Randy Woodley (PhD, Asbury Theological Seminary) is Distinguished Professor of Faith and Culture and Director of Intercultural and Indigenous Studies at Portland Seminary. Woodley is a Keetoowah Cherokee (legal descendent) teacher, poet, activist, former pastor, missiologist and historian. Woodley received his baccalaureate degree from Rockmont College in Denver. He was ordained to the ministry through the American Baptist Churches in the USA in Oklahoma after graduating with a Masters of Divinity degree from Eastern Seminary (now Palmer Seminary) in Philadelphia. Randy's PhD is in intercultural studies from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Professor Woodley is active in the ongoing discussions concerning new church movements, racial and ethnic diversity, peace, social justice, interreligious dialogue and mission. He regularly blogs in these areas and publishes his own blog, Ethnic Space and Faith. He is also a regular contributor to God's Politics Blog: Jim Wallis and Friends, Emergent Village Voice and The Huffington Post’s religion page.

He also hosts the "Peacing it all together" podcast about journey and place with Bo Sanders.

Rev. Woodley was pastor of the Eagle Valley Church in Carson City, Nevada, which for many years served as a unique role model as an authentic Native American Christian church. He and his wife Edith, cofounders of Eagle's Wings Ministry, are considered early innovators in what has been dubbed the “Native American Contextual Movement.” The Woodleys have spent over 25 years of culturally contextual service in Native North American communities.

Reviews

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

As they do on their podcast, Woodley and Sanders make an interesting duo. This book offers insightful and fairly concise looks into what postcolonial theology is, as well as the things that have become more or less theology for Westerners, especially Americans, especially evangelicals. I question a few of the claims in the book, based on a lack of support and because of evidence-based counterarguments I have read in other books, but the authors want you to question things. That’s one of their big points. One issue I had, although it may account for the readable size of this book, is that many of the things the authors deconstruct well do not have alternative structures offered to take their place. It’s easier to be an arsonist than an architect, and there were a few places I wanted some architecture. Still, I’m giving this book four stars and it has certainly served to broaden my perspective and start me questioning some things I had not questioned before.

[J Percell Lakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decolonizing our faith might save our witness in the 21st century

An invitation to reimagine faithful witness to Jesus while living in the midst of the legacy of colonialism. The authors start readers on a journey towards postcolonial interpretive maneuvers that have the capacity to inspire followers of Jesus to recapture their faith from white supremacist models of faith into ways that truly align with the shalom bringing Kingdom of God.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

An American First Nation critique of western evangelical theology and its 19th Century origins and the role it has played in oppression of the poor and marginalised in its out working in America and wherever the American Christian church has evangelised other nations. I can see Australia’s First Nation resonating with the Native American experience, which makes this a worthwhile read for Australian Christians who are open to acknowledging their complicity with the treatment of Australian Aborigines. As a Uniting Church member in covenant with the First Nation Christian people, I am part of the journey of receiving critique of our founding churches and what was done through 19th & 20th century colonial evangelism. It’s why I am committed to the on going formation of a uniquely Australian church that evolves in this land, where God was present before the colonisers arrived.

[David Rawls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a white Christian evangelical. Growing up most of my life in this tradition has caused me to have many blind spots to people who have been exploited around the World in the name of Christ. This book is a great read in which it points out the exploitation of people in the name of Jesus. The authors simply do not name the sins but give steps on how the church can begin to move forward and look more like Jesus.

[Ryan Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the format could be challenging at times, this is the most relevant and up to date conversation that needs to be heard right now.

[Nathan Warrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and very educational. Enjoyed Randy and Bo's dialogue on this incredibly important issue.

[Lyf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to give this book more stars! It’s insightful, easy to read, conversational and a great introduction to the ideas present. Could be the most important book I read this year (2022)…

[Charly Pine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written in an interesting conversational format, back and forth between the two authors. I appreciated how they each used their own social locations to describe differing concepts related to decolonial, anticolonial, and postcolonial perspectives. I found Randy's sections a little easier to follow than Bo's, though I appreciated both.

The book deepened my reflections on my reactions last year to the following statement:
"We are learners, creatively adapting and flexing to the changing times without compromise."
I journaled: The concern with avoiding ‘compromise’ seems to be based on an understanding that we are currently standing in a place of faithfulness to the Scriptures and while we are willing to adapt and be flexible we don’t want to go so far that we will stray away from that place of faithfulness.
BUT, what if at least part of our problem is that perhaps we have been living in a place of compromise and instead of maintaining our faithfulness, we actually need to discover how to live more faithfully? Could our adaptability and flexibility be an expression of repentance?

"Postcolonial theologies must touch the deepest places in individual hearts and the most complex systems of societal structure. A postcolonial theologian must spend time not only deconstructing the colonizing lies of others but also engaging in personal examination, asking how she herself has bought into the lies and how she cooperates with those existing systemic structures. She must delve deep in her research and study especially the many historical narratives available from people on all sides of an event or issue so that she can understand better where Jesus stands and make her stand with Christ."

[Nikayla Reize · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, accessible, profound

[Steve Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important introductory contribution to postcolonial scholarship and theology and the need to decolonize much of American culture and thinking, including our evangelical religion.

[Emmett Hogendoorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a good book for introducing people to decolonization, because it’s still evangelical enough to not feel uncomfortable for those of us who are nervous about this conversation.

As with a lot of critical theory it doesn’t really give the “oppressor” hope. They encourage you to listen, they encourage you to reform, they encourage you to spread awareness, but then at the same time they say you can’t free yourself from colonial influence. I want hope!

Secondly, this book holds the view that Western culture is worse than all others. Taking a very brief look into history suggests otherwise. “Democratic capitalism is one of the most oppressive forces”.. really? All empires in history did evil and abused those weaker than them. Every nation had disdain for the outsider, the other. There may be some exceptions but I think that’s generally the case. Western culture didn’t invent the “other”, they didn’t invent slavery, they didn’t invent racism, they didn’t invent unfair trade, they didn’t invent interference in the politics of other countries. You can see all these things all over the place in the East and all throughout history. Plus, wasn’t this decolonization movement birthed in the values of the West? Maybe I’m wrong.

Finally, the utopias they cling to, do they actually work? Are there examples? Do they think it has ever existed or will ever, in light of sin?

Maybe I’m on a journey to discovering something new and great. Or maybe it’s a cultural fad. I guess I’ll find out.

[Charlotte Toyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a fantastic resource! an amazing discussion that was really insightful. it was really dense for a small book but worth the read