The Need for “A Fighting God”: Biko, Black Theology and the Essence of Revolutionary Authenticity

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is an upsurge of renewed interest in South Africa in Black Consciousness, Black theology and consequently in the work of Steven Bantu Biko who remains a central figure for a movement that now seems to inspire a new generation, especially pertaining to the raging debates on Africanity, decolonisation, and Africanisation. This author believes that this resurgence presents an historic moment that calls for a serious re-examination of Biko’s thought. Even though Biko’s reflections on Black theology per se were sparse, they are extremely important in my view, and open up new avenues for Black theological reflection and praxis as regards the fundamental questions of integrity and authenticity in global struggles for freedom, equity and dignity. It is my view that in these struggles Black liberation theology is not only relevant but necessary. This article discusses the contexts within which modern South African Black theology came into being, explores Biko’s definitions of Black theology, and the ways in which Biko’s understanding of Black theology searching for “a fighting God” and Black theology as “not a theology of absolutes” opens up the possibilities for enriching the meaning and relevance of Black theology today.