The Black Church Studies Reader

The Black Church Studies Reader addresses the depth and breadth of Black theological studies, from Biblical studies and ethics to homiletics and pastoral care. The book examines salient themes of social and religious significance such as gender, sexuality, race, social class, health care, and public policy. While the volume centers around African American experiences and studies, it also attends to broader African continental and Diasporan religious contexts. The contributors reflect an interdisciplinary blend of Black Church Studies scholars and practitioners from across the country. The text seeks to address the following fundamental questions: What constitutes Black Church Studies as a discipline or field of study? What is the significance of Black Church Studies for theological education? What is the relationship between Black Church Studies and the broader academic study of Black religions? What is the relationship between Black Church Studies and local congregations (as well as other faith-based entities)? The book's search for the answers to these questions is compelling and illuminating.

Alton B. Pollard, III is Dean and Professor of Religion and Culture at Howard University School of Divinity, USA. His publications include Mysticism and Social Change, How Long this Road, and a new edition of Dubois's The Negro Church. He is lead researcher for Equipping the Saints: Promising Practices in Black congregational life.

Carol B. Duncan is Professor and former chair of the Department of Religion and Culture at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. She is the author of This Spot of Ground: Spiritual Baptists in Toronto, co-author of Black Church Studies: An Introduction and co-editor of Womanist and Black Feminist Responses to Tyler Perry's Productions.