Children of the Waters of Meribah: Black Liberation Theology, the Miriamic Tradition, and the Challenges of Twenty-First-Century Empire

by Allan Boesak

In the decades since Black liberation theology burst onto the scene, it has turned the world of church, society, and academia upside down. It has changed lives and ways of thinking as well. But now there is a What lessons has Black theology not learned as times have changed? In this expansion of the 2017 Yale Divinity School Beecher Lectures, Allan Boesak explores this question. If Black liberation theology had taken the issues discussed in these pages much more seriously--struggled with them much more intensely, thoroughly, and honestly--would it have been in a better position to help oppressed black people in Africa, the United States, and oppressed communities everywhere as they have faced the challenges of the last twenty-five years? In a critical, self-critical engagement with feminist and, especially, African feminist theologians in a trans-disciplinary conversation, Allan Boesak, as Black liberation theologian from the Global South, offers tentative but intriguing responses to the vital questions facing Black liberation theology today, particularly those questions raised by the women. "In the current context of global growth of nationalism, popularism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and pushback on gender justice, Children of the Waters of Meribah by Allan Boesak offers a timely lens through which to understand Jesus' statement in John 10:10, which 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.' He is reminding us that Black Theology provides one perspective to interpret the intersection of race, gender, class, and biblical scholarship when reading the signs of our times. I find his analysis and reflections very inspiring and I recommend the book to theology students, academics, church leaders, and laity. It is a welcome addition to the Black Theology discourse with a global outreach." --Isabel Apawo Phiri, Deputy General Secretary, World Council of Churches "In what I consider to be his best work in a post-apartheid context, Allan Aubrey Boesak demonstrates a sharp and brilliant mind that is able to engage critically with the demands of decoloniality today. Noting that for the African Christian, the issues of the Christian faith and being African are two equal yet conflicting elements in this Christian, Boesak nonetheless reminds this African Reformed Christian that although many strides had been made since the inception of the Reformation, the issues of our Africanness are yet to be dealt with ethically and profoundly." --Rothney S Tshaka, Director, School of Humanities, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa Allan Aubrey Boesak is a South African liberation theologian, international human rights activist, and the Research Associate at the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria. He is the author of several books, including Pharaohs on Both Sides of the Blood-Red Waters, Prophetic Critique of Resistance, Justice, and the Power of the Hopeful Sizwe (2017).

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2019

About the author

Allan Aubrey Boesak is a South African Dutch Reformed Church cleric and politician and anti-apartheid activist.

Reviews

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning contextual theology. Stinging critique of black theologies that have hushed the voice of women, even in pursuit of liberation. Singing exegesis of scriptural texts taking into account a wide variety of perspectives. Then applying them to today's world interweaving deep and prophetic insights. This book is intellectually stimulating and practically challenging.