(London: Routledge, 2006)
Robert Beckford explores the dialogue between two central institutions in African Caribbean life: the church and the dancehall. He highlights how Dub - one of the central features of dancehall culture - can be mobilized as a framework for re-evaluating theology, taking apart doctrine and reconstructing it under the influence of a guiding theme.
An Urban Toolkit for Those Who Won't Be Bought Out, Sold Out or Scared Out
(London: DLT 2004)
An urban toolkit for those who won't be sold out, bought out or scared out! Violent crime including gang welfare and the use of firearms affects many urban communities, with a growing number of alarming incidents reported in the media. Churches often struggle to find appropriate ways to respond to these crises and the pastoral needs that arise from them. Robert Beckford attempts to provide some much-needed theological tools for an understanding of the rise of disaffection among black urban youth.
(London: DLT 2001)
In this book Robert Beckford provides a black Christian political reflection on Black rage. In response to the murder of Stephen Lawrence, as well as personal experiences he explores how being within the kingdom of God provides a creative space for redeeming and redirecting rage. By developing a theological - cultural paradigm called redemptive vengeance Robert engages with Black popular culture to show that redemptive vengeance challenges presuppositions about identity and aspects of popular culture.
Through a series of reflections on Black names, the music of Lauryn Hill and Black incarceration Robert provides a model for redeeming Black rage and providing a platform for justice and reconciliation.
A Political Theology for the Black Church in Britain
(London: SPCK 2000)
In this authoritative and passionately argued book, Robert Beckford explores the future of Black British Pentecostalism in a society where the notion of White supremacy — even in faith — is all too evident. Drawing on Black, womanist and post-colonial theologies of liberation, he urges the Black Church to regain its traditional prophetic role as part of its ministry.
He suggests that the Caribbean's first liberation theology, Rastafari, has much to offer all Christians concerned with speaking prophetically into social and political life in Britain. Reflecting on aspects of Rastafari, Black Pentecostalism and the meaning of Jesus in the world today, he develops a new model for a Black political faith — a Dread Pentecostal theology.
Black Theology and Black Culture in Britain
(London: DLT 1998)
In this book Robert Beckford argues that the Black church must develop its own theology, based on the powerful, political urgency of modern Black culture, if it is to provide authentic meaning for a new generation of Black Christians. Jesus is Dread is a series of reflections on the symbols, icons and systems within both the Black church and Black expressive cultures in Britain.
The author explores perceptions of resistance, sexuality, womanist theology, art, music and prayer. He identifies dread culture as a concept with radical implications for the Black Christian’s understanding of Christ. He ends by calling for further reflection beyond the dread analogy to develop new ways of talking about Christ and the work of God in Black communities. Jesus is Dread, and the accounts therein, will resonate with the experiences of many Black Christians worshipping in Britain today.
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Apr 1999