Many Christians of color come out of predominantly White theological institutions doubly educated: well-read in White theology and self-taught in global theology. We've done our theological homework, and the conclusions & convictions we've come to are based on our broad studies.
We know the interpretive lenses, influential figures, definitive events, and theological debates that have made White theology what it is. We've sat under the teaching authority of predominantly White professors and heard theology taught from a limited perspective.
We've read Calvin, Berkhof, Bavinck, and Machen. We can recite the theological standards of the various theological traditions. We've engaged with the thoughts and intentions behind worship wars, theological word policing, and culturally homogenous formative practices.
But we're also eminently familiar with Black, Latinx, Asian, Feminist, Womanist, Decolonized, Native American, Multi-Racial theology. We've filled in the huge gaps of curricula and have been captivated by the real story of a global church of which the US is but a drop in a bucket
We've studied and put into practice questions of justice, poverty, diversity, race, environment, politics, culture, mercy. We come to understand that theology always is connected to a practice and a piety, whether good or ill, and these must be considered a package deal.
We simply ask that our White brothers and sisters pursue this double education as well. That before they write us off as leftist, progressive, liberal, etc. that they would do their homework and due diligence. The theological sparring match requires a formidable sparring partner.
