the eternal student

Cornel West: A must

I first heard of Cornel West, Princeton Professor of Religion and African-American studies last week from a friend in the lab. On Saturday our pastor and several others were on fire after just having heard him speak at Georgia State. I could tell this someone who I must hear. Fortunately, he was preaching at First Congregation Church here in Atlanta on Sunday morning. I won't describe Cornel except to say that he is one of those speakers who can tie time, culture, thought, deed, and heart into a fascinating package. You can't listen to him without feeling challenged and encouraged. If he taught history in high school, we would all be historians and torchbearers for justice.

You can check out more about him at
http://www.pragmatism.org/library/west/

It would be an injustice for me to try to recast what he says. Before our time in Atlanta, I would not fully understood or felt the power of his message. I am just beginning to feel what the black struggle was/is and how they turned to the Old and New Testament to find meaning in their oppression and love their oppressors at the same time. One powerful thing Cornel said is that after 9/11 for the first time America as a nation is feeling what blacks have always felt in America. That is, you can be a victim of hate, prejudice, and violence simply for your skin and who you are.

I am going to get the DVD of the service in a week or so to share with others. In the meantime, you should be able to find lectures and audio clips on the web. or, check out his highly accaimed books, Race Matters and Democracy Matters. Honestly, I have not read them so I can't comment on them. Sometimes I'm psyched up after hearing someone speak, and then when I go to read thier stuff it can't match up and I'm dissappointed. All I know is that he is an excellent speaker and challenging. I highly recommend checking him out, even if you are turned off by him, he is a voice worth hearing and a fellow believer in the strength of The Rock.

Posted by andyp at February 27, 2005 4:31 PM