Keeping Faith With the Poor: Liberationist Economic Ethics

Abstract

This chapter considers the complicated role of the Black Church in the twenty-first century—to meet varied needs of an increasingly diverse African American community— and it offers concluding arguments regarding the implications of an accommodationist economic ethic. The economic ethic of Black churches from the data collected in the case study is held up to the light of liberationist and womanist economic ethics. Also, the discussion of real needs articulated throughout the book is central to this discussion—the real needs of such individuals whose voices are not heard in marginalized communities. The argument is that if the Church begins to address the real needs of individuals, it will address economic justice.

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

I John 3:17–18