Rhetoric Race and Religion
Here are the top five posts from Rhetoric Race and Religion this week. To contribute to R3, click here.
Number 1
R3 Editor
The study of African American religion is enjoying a renewed resurgence as of late. Many in the area of religious studies have embarked upon the African American religious phenomenon producing works in theology, ethics, preaching, and the Black Church. However, what have also contributed to the offerings within this ever-expanding field are scholars of other disciplines writing on the subject of African American religion and spirituality. Scholars in various different fields of study—anthropology cultural studies, communications, sociology, history and the like, draw from the well of African American religion and produce some outstanding research. What makes this move to the mount of religion so exciting is that many times scholars unearth lost or forgotten documents that help us understand the times, the places but most of all, the people who produced them. By examining these texts, we get a newfound appreciation of the people, places and surroundings—and at the same time get to build on the previously lost material.
Number 2
He Talk White: The Scholarly and Artistic Works of a Writer
R3 Contributor Gee Joyner recently published a new book, He Talk White: The Scholarly and Artistic Works of a Writer. An anthology of sorts, Joyner’s text deconstructs the negative depiction of African Americans in mass media while reconstructing what it means to be Black in America in the 21st century. A collection of op-ed pieces, scholarly essays, and a short story of fiction, “He Talk White” is sure to evoke thought and dialogue concerning the conundrum of race, as well as sexuality and religious affiliation, in the United States.
Number 3
R3 Contributor
Under federal law, a riot is a public disturbance involving an act of violence by one or more persons assembled in a group of at least three people. Inciting a riot applies to a person who organizes, encourages, or participates in a riot. It can apply to one who urges or instigates others to riot. According to 18 USCS § 2102 “to incite a riot”, or “to organize, promote, encourage, participate in, or carry on a riot”, includes, but is not limited to, urging or instigating other persons to riot, but shall not be deemed to mean the mere oral or written (1) advocacy of ideas or (2) expression of belief, not involving advocacy of any act or acts of violence or assertion of the rightness of, or the right to commit, any such act or acts.”
Number 4
Religion has long had an extraordinary influence in U.S. politics compared to other democracies. But this isn’t just a far-right phenomenon: If the Obama administration has its way, this influence might go even further. For example, the administration recently filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court arguing that it is constitutional to conduct official Christian prayers at town council meetings.
Number 5
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In