Jesus and the Disinherited

This book was written in 1949.

I start with that for context. My last review was of James Cone's Black Theology of Liberation, which is a harsh and startling read for most white Christians. In fact many reject Cone because of his rhetoric and language. It doesn't feel “christian” enough. It offends sensible white theologians. He should be more like Jesus and less like Malcolm X.

Thurman is everything the critic of Cone desires. He is measured. His language is eloquent, lucid, and cogent. He is articulate.1 And herein lies the rub of the context. Thurman details the elements of the racial divide in our country (and universally) in a way that is not offensive or that is harsh in its descriptions of the “oppressor.” And this message goes unheard. It preempts the criticism of Cone that says, “say it nicer.” Thurman says it nicer. The issue with racism isn't how the oppressed express their pain, it is in the unwillingness of the oppressor to listen at all.

This book is short, a mere 5 chapters and just over 100 pages. It proves that substance is not a quality of length. His 5 chapters covers:

Jesus
Fear
Deception
Hate
Love
In this sense and with these broad categories Thurman manages to not only be specific by addressing racism in America directed towards blacks, but can apply to all contexts of oppression.

The real genius of the book is how Thurman is able to capture for us the experiences and psyche of those who live under oppression. It is also a cutting criticism of the church and its failure to effectively express its core values in light of widespread and ongoing injustice. From the preface:

https://thetempleblog.com/2022/03/07/book-review-jesus-and-the-disinherited/