Flourishing in Babylon: Black British Agency and Self-Determination

Black theology has traditionally focused on oppression and liberation, but Joe Aldred offers a different perspective that emphasizes flourishing through agency and self-determination. He draws on Jeremiah and his Pentecostal tradition to highlight the hope of a future without apology, where individuals can settle, build, and grow.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: SCM Press

Black theology has long been a profound exploration of the intersection of oppression and liberation. However, is there a different narrative that we can tell? Can the black story be one of flourishing through agency and self-determination, rather than merely an existence of nihilistic struggle? In his groundbreaking work, "Black Theology and the Quest for Flourishing," Joe Aldred presents a fresh perspective on the Black British experience. Drawing on a profound reading of Jeremiah and his own Pentecostal tradition, Aldred offers a vision of hope and possibility that challenges traditional narratives.

After the cross and the lynching tree, Aldred argues, comes a moment of unprecedented opportunity to fully flourish without apology. He challenges the notion that blackness is solely defined by oppression and adversity, and instead presents a vision of blackness as a source of strength and resilience. Aldred emphasizes the importance of agency and self-determination in achieving this flourishing. He argues that black people have been historically marginalized and oppressed, but that they also possess a unique set of strengths and abilities that can be leveraged to create positive change.

One of the key themes in Aldred's work is the concept of "eschatology of hope." He argues that black theology should be rooted in a hopeful vision of the future, rather than a pessimistic view of the world. Aldred believes that the cross and the lynching tree represent not only the suffering and oppression of black people, but also the potential for transformation and redemption. He encourages black people to embrace their identity as agents of change and to work towards a future that is inclusive, just, and prosperous for all.

Another important aspect of Aldred's work is his recognition of the role of Pentecostalism in shaping the Black British experience. Pentecostalism is a Christian movement that emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of personal experience and transformation. Aldred argues that Pentecostalism has provided a source of resilience and hope for black people, who have often faced discrimination and marginalization in mainstream Christian denominations.

In conclusion, "Black Theology and the Quest for Flourishing" offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the Black British experience. Joe Aldred's work challenges traditional narratives of blackness and oppression, and presents a vision of hope and possibility for a future that is inclusive, just, and prosperous for all. By drawing on a rich tradition of black spirituality and theology, Aldred provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about race, religion, and social justice.

Dimension: 216 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780334065067