The God of whom? : from a psychological to a systematic-theological intertwining of black liberation theology and anatheism

Abstract

From the psychological concept of fear, the two counterparts of Black Liberation Theology and Anatheism are not simply brought together but so too are intertwined. This is done to answer the question of “The God of whom?” The psychological concept of fear is used as it is a common emotional state that people experience as they develop and grow throughout their lives. More than this, however, the psychological concept of fear is used as it is an emotional state that the victims of Auschwitz (used in Anatheism) and the oppressed black people would have felt – a feeling that would have helped encourage the creation of both Anatheism and Black Liberation Theology. The exploration and intertwining of Black Liberation Theology (hereafter BLT) and Anatheism, with the help of fear, brings one to consider the strength and resilience found within both counterparts. The strength and resilience within Black Liberation Theology and Anatheism, essentially, come from weakness and vulnerability – the qualities that make us undeniably human. What makes us human brings one to consider both the Liberator God (from BLT) and the Stranger (from Anatheism). In delving into the powerless and suffering God, one comes to the realisation that the Liberator God and the Stranger are the same Being. This is extrapolated further in the political spheres of BLT and Anatheism – for both counterparts are deeply rooted in politics. In taking a closer look at who the powerless and suffering God is, a new and yet ancient perspective comes to the fore. This new and yet ancient perspective stands in critique against the Freudian psychoanalysis view that simply perceives God as a concept. More than this, however, the powerless and suffering God that gives power to those who protect and cherish this God in their hearts, makes those philosophers who encourage the Light Metaphor stand trial for their toxic positivity that has been fed to all walks of life and causes all of God’s people harm. This powerless and suffering God, is the God who sits with us in our suffering and teaches us things such as love, justice, acceptance, unity and peace.