Black Theology and the Black Panthers: Joshua Bartholomew on Faith, Revolution, and the Radical Imagination

What happens when theology meets revolution?

In this episode of Religion and Justice, we sit down with Joshua Bartholomew, author of Black Theology and the Black Panthers, to explore the rich, radical relationship between Black Christian theology and one of the most influential political movements of the 20th century.

Bartholomew walks us through the theological foundations of the Black Panther Party, the spiritual imagination of figures like James Cone and Huey Newton, and how Black theology challenged both white supremacy in the Church and liberal respectability in politics. We also discuss the modern relevance of these traditions in today’s movements for racial and economic justice.

This conversation is for anyone interested in:

• Black liberation theology
• The revolutionary spirituality of the Panthers
• Christianity as a force of resistance
• The intersection of race, faith, and political power

Whether you're in the church, in the streets, or somewhere in between — this episode asks what kind of God we believe in when we’re fighting for freedom.

Welcome to "Religion and Justice," a podcast brought to you by the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

We explore the intersections of class, religion, labor, and ecology, which bring together diverse populations and publics uncovering their implications for justice and solidarity

This podcast is a space for investigation, education, and organizing around these intersections. Join us as we engage in thought-provoking discussions with experts, fostering dialogue for actionable change. Together, we navigate religion, justice, and solidarity for a more equitable future.

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