James Cone's Black liberation theology and social change : an analysis of the rhetoric of dialectic.

This thesis exemplifies that the ability of social movements to elicit long-term social change is largely a rhetorical process. More specifically, the notion of "dialectic" in sociology is a rhetorical construct which, when combined with unitary principles of a particular society, becomes a powerful symbolic method to make changes in societal perceptions and behavior. The theological development of Professor James H. Cone with respect to his rhetorical/theological presentation of black liberation theology is examined. The role of conflict in social development is also stressed. Three of Cone's books demonstrate his theological pilgrimage and manifest the rhetorical power of "dialectic" when combined with unitary social principles. Cone's black theology is examined because of this combination. The first chapter explicates the specific direction of the thesis with regard to methodology and models of rhetorical analysis and emphasis. The second chapter examines Cone's A Black Theology of Liberation as a model of "dialectical confrontation." This book is Cone's earliest articulation of a systematic black theology. Through this book Cone reveals the notion of conflict (struggle for liberation) as a major tenet of black theology. The third chapter describes how Cone rhetorically prescribes actions for black theologians and the black community. His book God of the Oppressed is evaluated. The dramatistic language of Cone is exemplified and analyzed by its call for social action and reconciliation. The fourth chapter expands on Chapter Three. Specifically, Cone's book For My People: Black Theology and Black Church is viewed as a prescriptive model for a new social order based on unitary social principles from the Bible and egalitarian ideals. The fifth chapter summarizes the dramatistic nature of Cone's theology, revealing the rhetorical power of his black theology with regard to "dialectic." Also, this chapter expresses the rhetorical importance and power of conflict. Specifically, the use of symbols to change society is revealed in terms of unitary principles and social conflict.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1988

Author dc:creator

• Strain, Robert L.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bass, Jeff Davis, 1951-

• Cone, James H.
• Liberation theology.
• Dialectic.
• Rhetoric.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14374

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14374