The Theology of Nat Turner

Abstract

In 1964, Joseph R. Washington, Jr. asserted that black Christianity was divorced from the longstanding Christian tradition with no proper theological foundation, absence of critical reflection, and disregard of the theology and mission of the universal church. 1 According to Washington, black religion lacked a credible theology that tied it to the collective Christian tradition of faith and belief. Since 1964, black religious scholars and preachers have reacted to Washington’s claims by constructing a contemporary Black Theology that illuminates black experience in light of the Word of God. Washington further argues that black Christianity was permeated by black folk religion that overwhelmingly emphasized freedom and equality. 2 For Washington, the slave songs of freedom are a key feature of this folk or black religion. 3 Washington concludes that the “uniqueness of black religion is the racial bond which seeks to risk its life for the elusive but ultimate goal of freedom and equality by means of protest and action.” 4 Absent from theological foundation, black religion for Washington relies on this racial bond of freedom and agitation. Washington in addition asserts that one cannot create a black Christian faith. 5 He concludes that separatism and segregation do not have a place in Christianity.