Prophetic Pessimism: A Q&A with Andre Johnson

February 08, 2016 by Deborah Arca

Continued from Page 1

As a professor, I must also face the fact that despite the copious amount of material and scholarly research done by esteemed professors and folk who have studied race and racism for years that they too are simply not believed. We do not need another study, more research, more education; we just need to believe the research that's already done and available for us to study.

Who, in your opinion, is making "black history" today?

Definitely the activists who are part of Black Lives Matter. We are witnessing history and I hope to be around sometime in the future when all the people today who complained about the BLM movement will brag about being part of the movement.

What question haven't we asked that you'd like to answer?

Here's a question I get asked a lot: Why still do this work?

I do this work because it's a part of my faith and I believe my call. I do this work because I stand on the shoulders of others who paved the way for me. I do this work because I believe that I should contribute something while I am on this side of eternity. I do this work because justice demands I do.

Follow Andre E. Johnson at Gifts of Life Ministries in Memphis, TN and at the University of Memphis. Subscribe to his blog Rhetoric Race and Religion. You can also follow Andre on Twitter @aejohnsonphd.

Page: 2 of 2

2/8/2016 5:00:00 AM

Black History Month

Progressive Christian

Justice

Prophesy

Progressive Christianity

Racism

Christianity

more at patheos

A Third Novel That Proves "Secret Mark" Is a Forgery

Philip Jenkins

Finding Meaning in Life Starts with One Simple Act

Tom Rapsas

Jerusalem Council vs. James White & Sola Scriptura

Dave Armstrong

Adventurous Lectionary - Pentecost 20 - October 11, 2026

Bruce Epperly

About Deborah Arca

Deborah Arca is the former Director of Content at Patheos. Prior to joining Patheos, Deborah managed the Programs in Christian Spirituality at the San Francisco Theological Seminary, including the Program's renowned spiritual direction program and the nationally-renowned Lilly-funded Youth Ministry & Spirituality Project. Deborah has also been a youth minister, a director of music and theatre programs for children and teens, and a music minister. Deborah belongs to a progressive United Church of Christ church in Englewood, CO.

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos