The Esau McCaulley Podcast Reclaiming the Black Church's Story
Feb 27, 2025
In this conversation, theologian Walter Strickland, an elder and author of "Swing Low: A History of Black Christianity in the United States," reveals the rich yet overlooked narratives of Black Christianity. He discusses the powerful role of Negro spirituals in shaping cultural identity and their modern connections. Strickland highlights significant yet lesser-known figures in the Black church's legacy and emphasizes that its story extends beyond politics. The discussion also probes the unique contributions of Black missionaries and the theology of resilience in the face of suffering.
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More Than Radicalism
- Black Christianity is not monolithic and deserves a theologically oriented history.
- It is more than its political activism; it has deep scriptural and spiritual foundations.
Spiritual Roots of Activism
- The Black church has layers beyond just radicalism or quiet pietism.
- Political activism in Black Christianity is deeply rooted in spiritual and biblical convictions.
Forgotten Black Missionaries
- Betsy Stockton, a black single woman missionary, founded schools in Hawaii and North America during the antebellum period.
- Samuel Mills led thousands of African Americans on missions to Sierra Leone, a largely forgotten chapter of Black Christianity.
