York St John University hosts the latest free, thought-provoking event in the Ebor Lecture series
“God Is Not a White Man: Race, faith and belief in a post-riot world”
York St John University hosts the latest free, thought-provoking event in the Ebor Lecture series
On Wednesday, 4 December 2024, York St John University’s Centre for Religion in Society will host the Winter 2024 Ebor Lecture, “God Is Not a White Man: Race, Faith, and Belief in a Post-Riot World.”
This free hybrid event features acclaimed author, speaker and Director of Theos thinktank, Chine McDonald. The evening will include a lecture from 5pm to 6pm, followed by a complimentary drinks reception for in-person attendees until 7pm.
McDonald, author of the influential book God Is Not a White Man, will confront challenging truths about race, identity, and faith. Drawing from her expertise, she will explore how Christian theology has historically intertwined with white superiority and chart a path toward a faith that reflects the vibrant diversity of the UK.
The Ebor Lectures in Theology and Public Life were established in 2006 in York, to promote conversation across a diversity of religious beliefs and issues of public concern. Relaunched in 2023, they are jointly sponsored by York Minster, The Methodist Church (Yorkshire North & East District), The C. & J.B. Morrell Trust and the York Area Society of Friends (Quakers).
Professor Esther McIntosh, Director of the Centre for Religion in Society, said:
“I am delighted that Chine McDonald will be giving the Winter 2024 Ebor lecture. Chine’s book God is not a White Man was published just as churches were grappling with their response to the Black Lives Matter movement and repeated criticisms of institutional racism.
“Now, following the riots across the UK this summer, Chine’s reflection on race, identity and Christianity couldn’t be more timely. The Ebor Lectures aim to promote conversation about pertinent public issues, and Chine’s talk will do just that”
Some insights from Chine McDonald ahead of her lecture:
Why this topic, and why now?
“I am personally fascinated by the intertwining of religion and public life, but also the intersections of race and faith. This year, all of those elements combined during the riots we saw take place across the country over the summer. I feel despite this interplay, these elements are underexplored. I think we need to wrestle much more with how religion affects or is utilised by racist and Far Right movements, and I believe better understanding of religious ideas are needed to explore these elements in a way that is effective.”
The role of faith in diverse societies
“Contrary to popular belief, religion is not in decline—it’s just changing shape. People are as religious as they ever were. We see this most vividly in multicultural societies in the UK where there exists a melting pot of culture, identity and belief. In such a racially diverse society, religious ideas that go beyond the very particulars of place, and find their beliefs shaped by faiths that go back centuries in time and transcend continents. In an ever-changing world, religion can provide things that anchor people’s sense of who they are in something bigger than the context and time in which they are living.”
An evolving concept of God
“I think concepts of God have been evolving since the start of human history and will continue to evolve and change. Individuals have different conceptions of God based on their culture, the dominant social narratives around them, their education, upbringing and experience.
“When it comes to Christian theology, what we see today around perceptions of God are based in 19th century European – and often male – theological ideas. I think recent decades and recent years have created the space for us to question whether those ideas are right, or whether they represent a very narrow view of human experience of God.”
An event for all
“I hope anyone interested in religion and public life, and how it shapes who we are will come to the lecture. But maybe there is a part of me that hopes that those who are not interested in this and unconvinced of the merits will come and have their perspectives expanded, and maybe even change their minds.”
Details
- Event: “God Is Not a White Man: Race, Faith, and Belief in a Post-Riot World” the Winter 2024 Ebor lecture
- Speaker: Chine McDonald
- Date: Wednesday 4 December 2024
- Time: Lecture (5pm to 6pm) Drinks Reception 6pm to 7pm)
- Location: York St John University Creative Centre and online (hybrid)
- Cost: Free
- Registration is via Eventbrite
This lecture is open to anyone interested in religion, public life, and the intersections of faith and race. Attendees are encouraged to come with open minds and leave with expanded perspectives.
For more information, visit the York St John University Events pages and the Ebor Lectures web page.