Decolonizing Evangelicalism: An 11: 59 p.m. Conversation
Ebook
Overview
The increasing interest in postcolonial theologies has initiated a vital conversation within and outside the academy in recent decades, turning many “standard theologies” on their head. This book introduces seminary students, ministry leaders, and others to key aspects, prevailing mentalities, and some major figures to consider when coming to understand postcolonial theologies. Woodley and Sanders provide a unique combination of indigenous theology and other academic theory to point readers toward the way of Jesus. Decolonizing Evangelicalism is a starting point for those who hope to change the conversation and see that the world could be lived in a different way.
“Postcolonial interpretation is the capacity to think, imagine,
know, and act outside the administrated knowledge of the empire.
This move ‘outside’ is an urgent but difficult one for those of us
who are safely ‘tenured’ in (American!) imperial certitude and
security. This readily accessible book helps us to understand the
urgency of this move outside and provides categories through which
we may reframe and resituate our theology. It is a most welcome
starting point for a way of interpretation that is not a fad but a
path to more responsible faith.”
—Walter Brueggemann, author of The Prophetic Imagination
“A ringing call to white Evangelicals to understand and abandon
their cultural captivity. One need not embrace every argument to
see that the basic message of this book is important and
urgent.”
—Ronald J. Sider, author of Rich Christians in an Age of
Hunger
“It’s too much to ask, I fear, that the people who most
need Decolonizing Evangelicalism will actually read it. Too
many of them have given their hearts to the Trump Klan and are too
enthralled with The Art of the Deal to read anything else.
But perhaps their children and grandchildren will dare to read this
powerful book which unfolds as a conversation between two very
insightful people with Evangelical roots, one white, one Native
American. This book could change the next generation’s
understanding of what it means to be Christian, Evangelical, and
American (or Canadian), and that would be good news indeed.”
—Brian D. McLaren, author of The Great Spiritual
Migration
“If Evangelical theology has a future, it’s postcolonial.
If you are looking for the best introduction to postcolonial
theology, this is it!”
—Peter Goodwin Heltzel, Associate Professor of Theology, New York
Theological Seminary
“In Decolonizing Evangelicalism, Woodley and Sanders invite
the reader to examine everything they know about theology, empire,
and the practical implications of God-talk in a ‘postcolonial’
world. Our current era of social transformation calls for
theological conversations that examine the consequences of past
empire-dependent thought and develop a wider, richer exploration of
scholarship and praxis that unlocks the liberating power of
decolonized faith. If you are interested in theology that actually
engages the ‘viciously interrelated and complex’ world in which we
live, spend time with this book.”
—Micky ScottBey Jones, Director of Healing Justice, Faith Matters
Network
“It is no secret that the imperial West silenced countless
indigenous societies while muzzling other identities even among its
own—all too often with the complicity of missions, churches, and
ideologically imperial theologies. This splendid introduction to
the meaning and construction of postcolonial theologies shows us
the power of the oppressed, in their own words and from their own
histories, to set the record right, to transform our consciousness,
to set us on the path of liberation, and to set free the peaceful
gospel of shalom from the prison of empire.”
—Gregory Leffel, President, American Society of Missiology
“Decolonizing Evangelicalism by Woodley and
Sanders belongs in the hands of every follower in the Jesus way who
has experienced colonization or marginalization or is beginning to
see some of the ways they have participated in the oppression of
others in the name of orthodox Christian theology. The book is as
approachable and well-researched as it is invitational. I am
personally grateful for this book and its authors and am confident
you will be, too.”
—Dwight J. Friesen, Associate Professor of Practical Theology,
Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
“In a world torn asunder by myriad divisions, in this informative
book Randy Woodley and Bo Sanders ask two provocative questions:
‘What is your relationship to power?’ and ‘Who is my Neighbor?’
Introducing the history, methodology, and important writers in
postcolonial theology, the authors invite reflection, conversation,
and critique of the way in which Jesus’ followers have been molded
and shaped by colonialism to answer these two questions. . . . This
book is not for the faint of heart. Fasten your seatbelt and engage
in a humble theological conversation which will draw you closer to
Jesus as he ‘exposes truth and nurtures life.’”
—Terry McGonigal, Director of Church Engagement, Whitworth
University
“Decolonizing Evangelicalism is a much-needed intervention
into the current political and theological crises facing white
Evangelicalism. Woodley and Sanders courageously and without
apology call on Evangelicals to not only transform theological
content, but theological process, by centering the voices of
colonized peoples. Without offering simple answers, Woodley and
Sanders provide hope by pointing to new paradigms for decentering
whiteness in Evangelicalism.”
—Andrea Smith, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies, University of
California-Riverside
Product Details
- Title : Decolonizing Evangelicalism: An 11:59 p.m. Conversation
- Authors:
- Woodley, Randy S.
- Sanders, Bo C.
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Publication Date: 2020
- ISBN: 9781498292047
Randy Woodley is a recognized activist/leader and teacher in the
fields of Indigenous and Intercultural Studies, Theology, Ecology,
and Missiology. He is the author of several books including
Shalom and Community of Creation: an Indigenous Vision,
Living in Color: Embracing God’s Passion for Ethnic
Diversity, and The Harmony Tree: A Story of Healing and
Community.
Bo C. Sanders is wrapping up a PhD in Practical Theology and works
as a United Methodist minister in Portland, Oregon. Bo employs
critical race theory as his lens in the hope of helping communities
address issues related to whiteness in the midst of changing
demographics and cultural shifts.
Randy and Bo have been engaged in serious dialogue on the subject
of this book and many others, for over a decade. They continue to
exchange views on their podcast, Peacing it All Together,
influencing people from all walks of life and faith. Become a part
of the discussion at www.PeacingItAllTogether.com