When most people think about Christian theology, names like Augustine, Luther, and Calvin come to mind. But what if we told you that Christian theology, as we know it, has been deeply shaped by Black voices—voices that are often overlooked or erased? February, Black History Month, offers the perfect opportunity to rediscover the contributions of Black theologians, pastors, and scholars who have shaped the faith in ways that go far beyond what history books often tell us.

The Forgotten Roots of Black Christian Thought

Black contributions to Christian theology are not new. They are foundational. Long before the transatlantic slave trade, Christianity had taken deep root in Africa. The early church had vibrant centers of theological thought in Alexandria, Carthage, and Ethiopia—places where Black theologians helped shape Christian doctrine.

Tertullian, often called the “Father of Latin Christianity,” was African. He gave the church some of its earliest understandings of the Trinity. Augustine of Hippo, one of the most influential theologians in church history, was North African. His writings laid the groundwork for much of Western Christianity. Athanasius, a key defender of the divinity of Christ, was another African theologian whose insights helped establish Christian orthodoxy. These men were not on the margins; they were central to the development of Christian doctrine.

Why Are Black Contributions to Theology Diminished?

If Black theologians were so critical to shaping Christianity, why don’t we hear about them more? The answer is complex but boils down to three major issues: historical erasure, Eurocentrism, and racial bias.

1. Historical Erasure and Colonial Narratives

History is often written by those in power. As European nations expanded their influence, they reshaped the historical narrative to center on themselves and diminish the role of Black and African voices. The theological contributions of African church fathers were either ignored or rebranded as “Western” achievements. Even the depiction of early church figures in art and literature was often whitewashed, reinforcing the false idea that Christian theology was exclusively a European development.

2. Eurocentrism in Theological Education

The way theology is taught further diminishes Black contributions. Seminaries and theological institutions in the West tend to focus on European thinkers while neglecting the depth of African and Black theological traditions. Students may spend years studying Augustine without ever hearing that he was African or examining how his cultural context shaped his theology. This Eurocentrism reinforces the idea that Black theology is secondary or non-essential rather than recognizing it as a cornerstone of Christian thought.

3. Racial Bias and Theological Gatekeeping

In more recent history, Black theological thought has been dismissed or labeled as “liberation theology” rather than recognized as a vital part of Christian doctrine. Figures like James Cone, who developed Black Liberation Theology, were often critiqued not for the content of their theology but for the challenge they posed to white-dominated Christian spaces. The same gatekeeping applies to the contributions of Black preachers, scholars, and thinkers throughout history.

Why This Matters for Today’s Church

Ignoring Black contributions to theology doesn’t just distort history—it weakens the church. When we fail to acknowledge and engage with Black theological voices, we miss out on a fuller, richer understanding of God and His work in the world. The Bible itself is filled with the stories of people from Africa and the Middle East, yet many modern believers are still conditioned to see Christianity as a Western religion.

Recovering and celebrating these contributions helps the church move toward a more biblical, global faith. It allows us to see the theological richness that comes from different cultural perspectives and reminds us that God’s truth is not confined to one race or region.

How to Engage with Black Christian History This February

Black History Month is an opportunity to actively seek out and learn from Black Christian voices. Here are a few practical ways to do so:

• Read works by Black theologians: Dive into the works of theologians like James Cone, Howard Thurman, or Martin Luther King Jr. Go deeper into early African church history and study Augustine, Tertullian, and Athanasius in their proper context.
• Listen to Black preachers: Follow and engage with sermons and writings from contemporary Black pastors and theologians who continue to shape the faith today.
• Teach the full story: If you’re in a position of influence—whether in a church, school, or small group—make an effort to incorporate Black theological contributions into discussions and teachings.
• Support Black Christian authors and creators: Seek out books, podcasts, and resources that highlight Black perspectives on faith, justice, and theology.
• Engage in conversations: Challenge the narratives that diminish Black theological contributions. Ask why certain voices are missing from theological education and work to change that within your community.

Conclusion: A Fuller, More Faithful Theology

The Black contribution to Christian theology is not a side note—it is central to the faith. This February, let’s take intentional steps to learn, teach, and celebrate the voices that have too often been silenced. The church is stronger when it embraces the full depth of its history, and recognizing Black theological contributions is a necessary step toward a more faithful, global Christianity.

Christianity has never belonged to one culture. It is, and has always been, a faith for all people, rooted in a diverse history that includes the deep, enduring contributions of Black theologians. The question is: Will we take the time to recognize and learn from them?

This Black History Month, let’s reclaim what has been forgotten and step into a fuller understanding of our shared faith.