Homeland Insecurity: A Hip-Hop Missiology for the Post–Civil Rights Context

Hodge (Hip Hop’s Hostile Gospel), associate professor of Youth Ministry at North Park University in Chicago, provides a solid overview of white Christian missiology and its application to urban communities in the post–civil rights era. Hodge believes that “race, gender, and class are lost within the current narrow definition of ministry and mission” and that “hip-hop theology” could “help create community, church context, and a stronger relationship to the Trinity in a wild context.” He locates the nexus of hip-hop theology in the song “No Church in the Wild,” written by Jay Z and Kanye West, which asks: “What’s a god to a nonbeliever / Who don’t believe in anything?” and then lays out his view of the decline of Christianity in the 20th century due to white supremacy, passive racism, and stodgy practices of ministry. He then explores ways that theological themes found within hip-hop can help Christians reconnect to a vibrant, multicultural American society. Hodge bolsters his position with meticulous peer research and interviews with minority youth who participated in mission programs initiated by White’s evangelical outreach organizations in Chicago. While many Christians will find the book controversial, the historical and anthropological elements make this essential reading for missionaries serving emerging adult populations. (June)