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 theologyThe revolutionary spirituality of the PanthersChristianity as a force of resistanceThe intersection of race, faith, and political powerWhether 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.About Religion and Justice Religion and Justice is a podcast from the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School. We explore the intersections of class, religion, labor, and ecology, uncovering how these forces shape the work of justice and solidarity. Each episode offers space for investigation, education, and organizing through conversations with scholars, organizers, and practitioners.Learn more at religionandjustice.orgThe show is currently produced by Peterson Toscano http://www.petersontoscano.com Religion and Justice on Substack: https://religionandjustice.substack.comFollow us: Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/religionandjustice Twitter/X — https://twitter.com/ReligionandJ Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/religionandjustice/