God is Black: James Cone's Doctrine of God

In this video, I outline and defend James Cone's controversial doctrine of God, which centers around the biblically justifiable assertion that "God is black."
My book on Cone: amzn.to/3M1yo8x
Works by James Cone:
God of the Oppressed - amzn.to/3wXHCx5
Black Theology and Black Power - amzn.to/3amYrKl
A Black Theology of Liberation - amzn.to/3GqRnZe
My Soul Looks Back - amzn.to/3z5gDTk
Other resources:
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander - amzn.to/3a9lete
The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein - amzn.to/3MWzIes
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin - amzn.to/3LWcP9A
Enjoy my work? Buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/MorrisonSDM
**Please note that all Amazon links are associate links, wherein I receive a percentage of your total purchase.

[@John-pt3no]

"I tried to press the following idea in one of my class' discussions on this issue when we read Major Jones' "The Color of God": Could someone extend the same symbolism of God's identifying with the oppressed to say "God is trans" or "God is gay", etc? Just as God is not white but expressed as so, God is not straight cisgender etc.. Would be curious and thankful to hear your thoughts or if heard of anyone making such an argument." -- had typed this out before your last comments at the end noting intersectionality, didn't know how to rephrase into another question so figured I'd still comment and just ask for any further thoughts not mentioned

[@StephenDMorrison]

Yes, I do think it should be applied to various oppressed community. “God is red” is another example, which indigenous communities have used to indicate God’s solidarity with native Americans both historically and today. One of the reasons why Cone stressed this point is that it gives dignity to communities that tend to feel dehumanized by their oppression. If God is also black then black is beautiful and worth celebrating. The same is true for the shame often attached to poverty or lgbtqia+ individuals. If God identifies with both then that goes a long way in helping remove the cultural shame involved for these communities. It’s a powerful tool for liberation.

[@John-pt3no]

@@StephenDMorrison I hadn't considered as much the shame/honour dynamics that could be there as well - thanks as always Stephen!

[@aioniansage6081]

Stephen, could you do a review of Christoph Blumhardt? I understand that his writings influenced Barth, Moltmann and others.

[@StephenDMorrison]

That’s a good idea! I’ve read a bit of Blumhardt but have been meaning to read more. He’s certainly interesting!

[@stevenrivard9246]

@@StephenDMorrison I want you to pretend that you have a daughter like me. I want you to envision her as a small child. As a small child, she starts to make subtle comments about her weight. "I ate that whole burger, I'm such a fatty sometimes," or something like... "Just call me Porkie Pig." Comments like these don't happen very often, and she seems to be joking when she says them, so you fluff them off. Now let's fastforward to her teenage years... Her comments about her weight are no longer subtle or infrequent. She is constantly saying things like... "I am such a fat pig," or... "No guy will ever like me because I am a disgusting cow." You are VERY worried about her. She is depressed all the time; cries alot; is constantly looking at super model magazines, wishing that she was one of the women shown on the cover; refuses to talk to you or your wife most of the time... And worst of all, you suspect that she might be anorexic or balemic or something like that (Or possibly flirting with the idea of doing those things). Now here is the absolute kicker... In REALITY, your daughter is NOT overweight AT ALL.. She is actually underweight for her height and age! This is actually one of the reasons why you suspect that she may be anorexic or balemic... Her thoughts are NOT MATCHING REALITY! She is obsessed with the thought that she is overweight to the point where it is negatively affecting almost every aspect of her life (Physical and mental health, school, work, family relations, friendships, what she does with her free time, etc.) ... But she is very skinny. She is starting to become alarmingly skinny, in fact. Please tell me the most LOVING and REASONABLE thing to do as her father, out of the following 2 options: OPTION 1: Be nice at all costs in fear of possibly upsetting her; refuse to have any conversation that may be uncomfortable. Affirm anything she says whether it is true or not. Support and encourage her delusions. Oppose anyone who may confront her current way of thinking. OPTION 2: Acknowledge that your daughter is having these types of thoughts and feelings, but gently and respectfully address them... "You are not overweight at all sweetheart... We can measure you on the scale, consult our family doctor about healthy weight ranges for your height and size, talk to a long-time trusted relative to see if you are actually overweight, we can gather information from Health Canada about heathy eating, etc etc." Then make known how much you love her, and how regular conversation about this topic is needed because you care about her, and this is something that is very important that may have serious consequenses that affect the rest of her life. Which OPTION was actually loving and reasonable? Which OPTION do you think Jesus would want you to choose?

[@johnristow1064]

What is your educational background?

[@StephenDMorrison]

Hi John, I am currently enrolled in a MA program, which begins in the fall. But most of my education has been self-taught.

[@pogher9081]

Thank you!

[@scubasquad2995]

Which book are you referencing?

[@marie-elsarochebragg5700]

Hi really enjoying your talks - just wanted to say that Jesus did not take the side of the Jews he was indeed a Jew himself. He was born into being a Jew. Maybe that is what you meant - it just sounded like he was not a Jew and took their side!

[@StephenDMorrison]

Right, that is a good point and definitely what I meant. I would say the best wording is that God took sides in Jesus Christ by becoming a Jew in history. Thanks for the opportunity to clarify.

[@kingjames5527]

God is Light. Cone!? Who?

[@truth9415]

Black produces Light.

[@truth9415]

The bible says GOD COVERS HIMSELF IN DARKNESS. AND WHEN HE COMES BACK. THE HEAVENS WILL BE BLACK! BLACK GOD.