As a staff reporter for The Neoliberal Journal, I had the privilege of attending a thought-provoking session on Caribbean Theology at the Jamaica Theological Seminary. The lecture, conducted by Rev. Renaldo McKenzie, an Adjunct Professor at the seminary, delved into the intricate relationship between theology and culture, focusing on power dynamics, domination, and resistance. In this report, I will provide an overview of the session and share my insights on the topics discussed.

Historical Context and Perspectives:

Rev. McKenzie’s lecture commenced by delving into the historical context and questioning the possibility of a universal theology that transcends culture. He drew inspiration from Immanuel Kant’s assertion that history is shaped by human nature and circumstances. Throughout the ages, humans have constructed their understanding of God based on their privileges, contexts, and goals. Rev. McKenzie referenced the viewpoint of Muta Baruka, who argued that God is a human creation, suggesting the subjective nature of our perception. However, Paul Tillich’s perspective, presented by Rev. McKenzie, posited that God is man’s ultimate concern, leading humanity to seek God’s reality through worship, faith, or transcendental experiences.

Human Drives and the Search for Truth:

During the lecture, Rev. McKenzie highlighted the inherent human tendency to explore and discover something beyond ourselves, both within and outside our personal domains. The pursuit of truth, extending beyond the boundaries of earthly life, has driven individuals to venture even into outer space. However, Rev. McKenzie also reminded the audience of Descartes’ philosophy, which emphasizes the subjective nature of certainty, limited to individual perspectives. Nevertheless, throughout history, a universal and objective reality of God has often been imposed to assert superiority over others.

Imposed Reality of God and its Consequences:

One of the central themes of Rev. McKenzie’s lecture was the consequences of imposing a universal reality of God. He explored the far-reaching impact this imposition has had, including conquests, crusades, and the destruction of cultures. The lecture shed light on how Westernized theological perspectives have often been used to justify colonization and domination. Rev. McKenzie specifically referred to how Europeans employed religion as a tool to spread their way of life in Africa and the Caribbean, disregarding indigenous beliefs and cultures. He cited Walter Rodney’s work, “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa,” to emphasize the justifications used by Europeans to promote their own cultures over others.

Questioning the Legacy of Theology:

Rev. McKenzie’s lecture prompted critical reflection on the legacy of prevailing theological perspectives. He encouraged the audience to reevaluate these perspectives, which often limit resistance to domination and control, perpetuating strategies historically used for colonization. Rev. McKenzie posited that a theology rooted in a specific space and conspiratorial law tends to enforce compliance and control. He emphasized the importance of Caribbean Theology in critically examining and challenging Eurocentric perspectives that have dominated theological discourse.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Rev. McKenzie’s lecture on Caribbean Theology at the Jamaica Theological Seminary provided a platform for deep introspection into the relationship between theology and culture. As a staff reporter for The Neoliberal Journal, I found the session to be intellectually stimulating, raising important questions about the imposition of a universal reality of God and its consequences. Rev. McKenzie’s call to critically reexamine prevailing theological perspectives and value indigenous perspectives resonated strongly with the audience. The lecture underscored the need for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of God and spirituality, which can be achieved through a broader exploration of theological legacies.

Note: For the full lecture experience, readers can access the embedded video and podcast links in the article published in The Neoliberal Journal, offering a comprehensive view of Rev. Renaldo McKenzie’s enlightening session on Caribbean Theology at the Jamaica Theological Seminary.

Yoan Bianic, Staff Reporter for The Neoliberal Journal

July 13, 2023

The NeoLiberal Podcast by Renaldo McKenzie YouTube Channel

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