Oppression and Liberation

"It is impossible to be white (culturally speaking) and also think biblically. Biblical thinking is liberated thought, i.e., thinking that is not entrapped by social categories of the dominant culture. If white theologians are to understand this thought process, they must undergo a conversion wherein they are given, by the Holy Spirit, a new way of thinking and acting in the world, defined and limited by God’s will to liberate the oppressed. To think biblically is to think in the light of the liberating interest of the oppressed. Any other starting point is a contradiction of the social a priori of Scripture."

—

James Cone, God of the Oppressed (via godoftheoppressed)

After reading this quote, I feel like Mr. Cone has just invalidated all queer, trans, and non-binary theologians. We can be culturally white and still understand what it means to be oppressed. I can be legally denied housing, healthcare, and employment in 29 states because I’m queer and in 34 states because I’m trans. Yes, I know something of oppression and liberation theology.

(via 2ndhalfoflife)

I am not sure when this particular piece was written; I’m not as familiar with Cone as I’d like to be.  I know, however, that later in his career he admitted to (and I’m paraphrasing based on my memory) to not hearing other oppressed voices, like those of women.  I believe he was trying to convey what you are pointing out.  I do think there is much truth in his writings that challenges us (as white people, whether categorically oppressed in other ways or not) to see the ways that we are complicit in systems that continue to oppress blacks and other racial minorities and to consider that a spirit of justice requires us to be active in breaking down such systems.  I think one can be oppressed while oppressing (not to say that you, in particular, are).  I’m sure you’re quite familiar with oppression by others who are categorically oppressed.

(via 2ndhalfoflife)