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Tag(s): James Risen; King; Liberation; Power; Religion; Union
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April 2, 2008 at 23:41:29

Preamble to A Critique of James Cone

by Stephen C. Rose Page 2 of 2 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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Where might a person like myself fit, in a world of culturally and identity-bound theologies which debase the good news by not even considering what that good news consists of?

I claim to know what the good news is. To allay any curiosity I will say what it is. It is not what the church says it is. It is what Jesus says it is -- the nearness of Abba, the imperative to repentance, and the following of Abba's Way.

A simplicity so revolutionary that even to discuss it would shake the foundations of present day thinking about Christianity. And obviate the need for religion as we know it.

When I was at the World Council of Churches in Geneva in 1966 I put together a volume called The Development Apocalypse. There were examples of liberation theology from Latin America among the various pieces we published. Insofar as it was a focusing on this world and upon human issues of justice, well and good.

But let me suggest again, we have not even the basis in the past 40 years to begin discussing a theology that might be relevant to the coming millennium. And most certainly it does not help matters to have to defend weak theologies because they happen to being distorted, libeled and eviscerated by idiots, malcontents, fools and representatives of what I call the jaws of hell.

James Cone, you have placed me in a double bind. I do not choose to remain in it. So I must also criticize you. Being an Obama supporter, I am in good company.

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http://stephencrosehome.blogspot.com

Born in NYC, attended Oberlin & Trinity Schools, then Exeter and Williams (Phi Beta Kappa 1958). Worked with the Reverend James Robinson, finished Union Theological Seminary in NYC (1961). Joined Student Interracial Ministry in Nashville. Founded Renewal Magazine in Chicago, served The Christian Century and Christianity Crisis magazines. Covered civil rights in Oxford, Birmingham and Selma. Interviewed Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X. My book The Grass Roots Church had impact on the ecumenical movement. Have authored some 15 books, been a house-husband and father of three wonderful (grown) children. I have written published music choral and popular. Most recently I served in UN agencies including UNICEF in NYC and edited CHOICES which was the flagship magazine of UNDP.