African American Preaching

This article is a theological analysis of African American preaching as a genre of Christian discourse. After first recognizing the particular influences of African culture, American slavery, other religious traditions, and the role its practitioners have played in defining its traditions and cultural form as sacred speech, this article explores its nature, function, and scope, and gives a brief genealogical account of African American preaching in North America. Following this historical treatment, this article discusses contrastive hermeneutical perspectives on biblical interpretation, theological emphases (e.g. God, salvation, eschatology, suffering, human freedom, etc.) privileged by its practitioners, and then details rhetorical approaches germane to its communal influence, social relevance, and theological shaping within contexts of Black religious life and beyond. As a theo-rhetorical discourse esteemed for its persistent calls for justice, ecclesiastical reform, spiritual redemption, and moral and ethical responsibility, this article will also consider contemporary trends, theories, and innovations on the horizon in African American homiletic theory and practice.