Building on the groundbreaking work of William R. Jones, John McClendon has turned his considerable talents to the philosophy of religion, Black Power and Black Christology. Through the lens of dialectical materialism, McClendon presents a delightful, shrewd and very perceptive look at the problems and issues surrounding the philosophy of Black religion. This seminal book combines scholarly breadth, judicious examination and philosophical acumen to provide the most in-depth treatment of James Cone, Howard Thurman, Leon E. Wright, Richard McKinney, Albert Cleage, Major Jones and so many others. For the reader who wants to develop a more complex understanding of Black theology, McClendon provides a much needed roadmap through the dense pathways of Black religion and Black Christology. Whether you are an atheist, free thinker or have religious commitments, this book is worth a read. Beyond a doubt, this book will challenge, and immensely repay, the careful attention of the reader. Through meticulous annotation, McClendon provides the reader with a mountain of sources on Biblical scholarship, philosophy of religion and Black theology. And, lastly, with great philosophical skill he brings out the significance of key debates in the world of Black Theology, particularly as it relates to race, racism and historical criticism. Black Christology and the Quest for Authenticity establishes McClendon as the premier Black intellectual of our times!

Stephen C. Ferguson II, North Carolina State University

Dr. McClendon has written a “tour de force” analysis of Black theology and the question of the Black Christ. Dr. McClendon defines White Christology or the White evangelical right as heretical. This work, with extensive scholarly citations, is a bibliographic source of the complete writings of “biblical Scripture.” Therefore, the words I can share with the reader are that Black Christology is an awesome, at times intimidating, but mostly an inspirational critical inquiry into Jesus as the authentic Black Christ.

Malik Simba, California State University, Fresno

Important… whatever the description that is attached to this work in the future, ‘important’ must be a part of that description. John McClendon has managed to meet both of my qualifications for an interesting philosophical work: 1. He attempts to clarify the understanding of a relevant problem. 2. He also attempts to make life, particularly human life, better. In a moment, where humanity is often forgotten in Philosophy, the most humanistic of disciplines, John manages to find a way to keep the tension.

Anthony Sean Neal, Mississippi State University