ABSTRACT
Christian religious life continues to reflect an essential part of the social and political dynamics of most African American communities. Therefore, Christian intellectuals bear significant responsibility for constructively influencing this communal religious life, and their leadership represents a crucial element for cultivating progressive social change. In particular, the contributions of black Christian intellectuals are essential for creating a climate that respects the dignity and human rights of women within black communities. In this essay I focus upon the role of black Christian ministers as “practitioner intellectuals” and of selected black religious writers as “academic intellectuals,” and explore the ways they help to nurture and/or transform Christian traditions that reinforce the sexist treatment of women. As I pursue this inquiry, it is my presupposition that the disavowal and relinquishment of Christian church traditions that foster women’s subordination are crucial for the safety and well-being of black women.
