Professor Carter argues that black theology’s intellectual impoverishment in the church and the academy is the result of its theologically shaky presuppositions, which are based largely on liberal Protestant convictions. He critiques the work of such noted scholars as Albert Raboteau, Charles Long and James Cone, and argues that black theology must rebuild itself on completely new theological foundations. He lays these foundations by means of a synthesis between African-American religious history and Christian orthodoxy. Drawing on the writings of Irenaeus of Lyons, Gregory of Nyssa and Maximus the Confessor, he urges black theologians to bring patristic Christology into conversation with the modern construction of race and being.

Thirty groundbreaking essays lay a scholarly foundation for the current dialogue as Christians and communities of faith rediscover evangelism as essential to the church’s mission.

Professor Turner reflects on the centrality of preaching and the teaching of homiletics to the life of the church. Turner, who is also pastor of Mt. Level Missionary Baptist Church in Durham, N.C., writes from the keen awareness that preachers vie to be heard in a public sphere filled with talk-show hosts, radio commentators, screenwriters and entertainers with various agendas. This work, which includes a series of sermons on Romans 10, was born of the bias that all preaching can be improved with study, reflection and critical assistance.