Chicago, IL - Nearly everyone has an opinion about the Black Church, its role, shortcomings, present state, and what it should be doing for the future of the Black community. Far too many of these opinions are from the outside looking in, based on a childhood remembrance, or a very cursory knowledge of the church.
As a pastor for over twenty years, Rev. Trent has written a collection of essays to the Black church not about it. In doing so he introduces a new direction in Black religious writings.
Part social critique, part biblical interpretation these essays present a look at the Gospel that demands thoughtful response.
Unlike the many devotional books and sermon collections that focus on individual spiritual development, Trent shifts the focus to the collective spiritual development of the Black Church and its impact on the Black community.
His contention is that justice and not soul saving in its popular sense, is the central concern of Jesus and the standard by which the Church will be judged.
Therefore with biblical justification, the Black Church is challenged to reexamine its purpose and mission in light of the critical social, economic, emotional and spiritual the needs of Black people in the 21st Century.
He issues a timely call for Black Christians, both clergy and lay persons to ask some penetrating questions.
Is the Black church effectively addressing the needs of Black people in the 21st century? Has the Black Church lapsed into apathy since the end of the civil rights era?
Is what is commonly preached and practiced the core of the gospel that Jesus emphasized? Is there a serious concern for the plight of the 40% of Black people who are living at or near the poverty line? Who does the Sunday morning message speak to: The 65 year old female?
Young professionals? The working poor? Single adults? Married couples only? Single mothers? Is it relevant to the 16 year old brother or Black males of any age?
Trent does not settle for simplistic answers, but gives a penetrating analysis of scripture and social culture.
Dividing the book into three groups the first examines some of the basic assumptions of the practical faith and whether these interpretations are in keeping with the traditional biblical texts that are often quoted.
The second group of essays is a direct challenge to the inappropriate behaviors of the Black Church and community, and raises the question of the relevance of popular Black theology to the contemporary age.
The focus of the final group is on the future direction of the Black church as a people of faith in the 21st century. The result is a call for the Black church to develop a more challenging and relevant agenda.
In keeping with the practical motif of the book, the closing chapter cites examples of Black churches that are already moving on this renewed agenda and propose some biblically based ways that the Black church can renew its purpose and mission.
This book is a must read for those Black Christians (lay and clergy) who are dissatisfied with the status quo, the state of Black people and unafraid to face the challenge of the Gospel.
Book Info:
A Challenge To The Black Church
By Rev. Dr. Earl D. Trent, Jr.
ISBN: 097490001X
160 pages
$14.95
