Exposing the Foundation: The Subliminal Imperialism of the Historical Critical Method

Abstract

Critical Race Theory is an umbrella term for efforts across multiple disciplines to discern ways in which the embedded ideology of White supremacy has impacted societal norms and behaviors. It acknowledges the reality of racism and seeks to expose the foundational structures upon which it is built. These structures must be acknowledged, dismantled, and replaced if there is any hope of constructing a more equitable future for all humans. For decades, African American biblical scholars have engaged in the task of dismantling racist assumptions about the nature and content of the biblical text. Rejecting the uniform lens that is prescribed to them at seminary, they have emphasized the Afro-Asiatic cultural context of the biblical world and offered fresh translation alternatives for key passages that either directly or tangentially relate to race. For the most part, the application of Critical Race Theory to biblical studies has focused on interpretive issues. However, the impact of Eurocentric influence in the way in which we interpret scripture is most evident in the dominant influence of historical-criticism. The presuppositions behind the method are so embedded that its essential correctness is even assumed by those conducting hermeneutics through post-colonial, African-American, or other liberation approaches. While the critical study of the scriptures should be a prerequisite for responsible interpretation, a truly liberated hermeneutics should not have to meet the requirements of Eurocentric correctness in order to be taken seriously.