A study of African American slave narratives as a source for a contemporary, constructive black theology

This dissertation represents a point of convergence for background research done in preparation for developing an interpretation of African American slave narratives that presents them as a source for a contemporary, constructive black theology. As such, it is also a multifaceted reading of African American cultural and religious life.;Chapter one begins by establishing the background for appreciating the historical and literary value of African American slave narratives. It continues by presenting several interpretive strategies that are to be utilized later on in the dissertation.;Chapter two is a description of the origin and development of black theology, along with a discussion of some of its contemporary trends. It gives a rationale for the incorporation of indigenous African American cultural sources, such as slave narratives, into theological discourse. And further, it suggests the application of a liberationist hermeneutics for reading them.;This leads to chapter three, which is a socio-religious and historical interpretation of the West African roots of African American spirituality. It sets the context for appreciating the religious creativity of slaves as a background for understanding some of the unique characteristics of African American Christianity.;In chapter four, a close reading of selected slave narratives is employed, with special reference to the work of the Holy Spirit among African American Christians. Special attention is given to how African American slaves experienced the affirming presence of God as they worshipped God in different communal contexts. Their use of symbolic and metaphorical language is emphasized throughout the chapter.;The final chapter draws out some implications of this study and their significance for a contemporary, constructive black theology. It summarizes key insights gained from each preceding chapter and concludes with suggestions for further theological reflection.