06/11/2026
In 2010, in a special issue of the Black Theology journal dedicated to the ongoing legacy of James H. Cone, I composed an essay that reflected on and celebrated the 40th anniversary of Cone’s groundbreaking work, Black Theology and Black Power. In it, I argued that Cone faced not only theological challenges but also rhetorical challenges along the way. Drawing upon what I call rhetorical theology, I argued that, in order to present Black Theology as a theological enterprise, Cone not only drew upon the rhetoric of Black Power but also adopted a prophetic persona to create not only space and place but also a voice to articulate his views. I also argued that if Black Theology is to remain a force in the academy and in the world, Black Theology needs to become a rhetorical theology.
Note: In 2010, in a special issue of the Black Theology journal dedicated to the ongoing legacy of James H.
