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James Cone: The Cross and the Lynching Tree
Manage episode 501258362 series 3595920
In this week's podcast, we explore the next sermon in the summer series of "Holy Disruptors: How Christian Saints, Prophets, and Mystics led in times of Difficulty".
On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Rev. Mark Burnham, Senior Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek, CA, preached a sermon entitled, "James Cone: The Cross and the Lynching Tree".
Scriptures
- First Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
- Second Reading – Acts 10:34-43
James Hal Cone was a pioneering American theologian whose work profoundly impacted the landscape of liberation theology. Born in Fordyce, Arkansas, Cone's experiences growing up in the racially segregated South deeply influenced his theological perspective. He was educated at Philander Smith College, Garrett-EvangelicalTheological Seminary, and completed his Ph.D. at Northwestern University. He served as a distinguished professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
Cone is best known as a leading figure in the development of Black Liberation Theology, a movement that sought to interpret Christian theology through the lens of the African American struggle for freedom and justice. His groundbreaking work challenged dominant theological narratives and highlighted the interconnection between the Christian gospel and the fight against racial oppression.
One of his most influential works, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, explores the
paradoxical relationship between the crucifixion of Jesus and the lynching of Black
Americans in the US. In this poignant book, Cone examines how the cross serves as a powerful symbol of both suffering and hope, drawing parallels to the historical and ongoing racial injustices faced by African Americans. Through his prolific writing and teaching, James Cone left an indelible legacy, inspiring generations to reimagine faith in the context of justice and equality.
Thank you for listening. Join us next week for the next sermon in this summer series.
To find more sermon podcasts and to learn more about Grace Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek, please visit our website,
www.gracewc.org
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