Activist Theology

By: Robyn Henderson-Espinoza

Narrated by: Robyn Henderson-Espinoza

In this searing and personal book, intellectual activist and theologian Robyn Henderson-Espinoza bridges the gap between academia and activism, bringing the wisdom of the streets to the work of scholarship, all for the sake of political liberation and social change for marginalized communities. This is an invitation - a powerful and provocative call-to-action--to academic theologians to the work of social activism through movement building. Activist Theology summons all to take up radical acts of labor that uses scholarship and contemplation to build bridges with difference and make connections of solidarity, rooted in collective action. Featuring poetry by Brittini "Ree Belle" Gray, this rich and interdisciplinary work draws on continental philosophy, queer theology, and critical class theory in accessible and artful ways, using story, personal narratives, and sharp cultural analysis to bring clarity to the methods, sources, and objectives of activist theology. This is a key step forward in the contemporary conversation about theology and social action and will be essential listening for all those who want to see theology and ethics break new ground in the work of justice, hope, and liberation for all.

©2019 Fortress Press (P)2019 Robyn Henderson-Espinoza

Getting Our Hands Dirty

This was a great book and important project. I hope we live our politics! The poetry is amazing & Ree Belle is amazing!

A must read for a theology of resistance!

Robyn is a thoughtful theologian. As a 'Queer, Transgender, White passing Latinx,' Robyn is well aware of both what it means to be marginalized and what it means to have privilege. In these pages, they advocate theology of resistance, from the margins, not the center, and self-care. While Robyn is a theologian who is well-versed in continental philosophy, this is not an exercise in abstract theology. They share their story here.

Additionally, there is a 'Coda' with Ree Belle's poetry (on the audiobook, Ree Belle reads her own poetry) and a conversation between Robyn and Ree about activism and identity that is worth the price of admission.

Hope For Those Who Struggle

Activist Theology is not a book of theory, nor is it a personal narrative, though it includes elements of both. The sections of theory are eruditely composed and arranged by Robyn who develops ideas thoughtfully without drifting into academically esoteric gobbledygook. The time when Robyn's narrative really soars however, is actually when the theory plane lands and Robyn's personal narrative is allowed center stage. Morsels of Robyn's life are given up as offerings through which Activist Theology can be experienced in hope and in struggle — in spirit and in truth.

The best part was, this book gave me a counter-narrative with which to align myself and a lens through which I could further assess the ways I benefit from privilege while recommitting me to divesting from the systems that perpetuate that same privilege.

I laughed, I cried, and I was set on fire for Activist Theology. I hope you are too.