Beginning
The Cross and the Lynching Tree ~ by James H. Cone, 2011, theology, 224 pages"The paradox of a crucified savior lies at the heart of the Christian story. That paradox was particularly evident in the first century when crucifixion was recognized as the particular form of execution reserved by the Roman Empire for insurrectionists and rebels. It was a public spectacle accompanied by torture and shame — one of the most humiliating and painful deaths ever devised by human beings" (p. 1).
The cross and the lynching tree are separated by nearly 2,000 years. One symbolizes Christian faith; the other is the perfect symbol of black oppression in America. Though both represent death, one denotes hope, while the other signifies the negation of that message by white supremacy.
Theologian James H. Cone (1938-2018) explores these two emotionally charged symbols in the history of the African American community and their interconnection in the history of black folk. Both represent the worst in human beings and at the same time a thirst for life that refuses to let the worst determine our final meaning.
My church book club is reading this for their meeting in August. I have not attended book club meetings in a long time, partly because of the pandemic. This time, they are reading a book I checked out of my library a few years ago and never found time to read before it was due. I'll try again.
Gilion at Rose City Reader hosts
1 comment:
I'm glad you are going to be able to participate again.
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