Conversation with Dr. Keri L. Day
Q&A with Dr. Day about her theological perspective and aim to fashion beloved communities
March 15, 2018
Dr. Keri L. Day joined the Princeton Seminary faculty in the fall of 2017 as Associate Professor of Constructive Theology and African American Religion. With research and teaching interests in constructive theology, feminist studies, and global economics, Dr. Day uses a wide range of methodological approaches in her work. Recently we sat down with Dr. Day to talk about her perspective on theology and her aim to fashion beloved communities.
Q: How does your academic work
speak to the contemporary world?
A: My work helps religious and political
leaders see how economic and political
injustices deeply affect people of color
around the world. It invites churches
to see that the heart of the gospel is
responding to such injustices with a
liberating word of hope.
Q: Why is it important for current
and future church leaders to study womanist and feminist theology?
A: Womanist and feminist theology
remain central not only to exploring
the question of race and gender within
theological construction, but also
to unearthing different and often
marginalized theological epistemologies
and practices that are oriented toward
justice, love, and flourishing.
Conversations about racial, gender, and class justice need to be privileged within the life of churches if churches are to truly minister and be in solidarity with vulnerable and oppressed populations. Womanist and feminist traditions remain indispensable, inviting church leaders to embody a prophetic critique of our current political moment characterized by virulent racist, sexist, and xenophobic rhetoric and policy.
Theology is ultimately about the work of fashioning beloved communities. To love God means to love your neighbor. Nothing more, nothing less.
Q: What unique perspective do you bring to Princeton Theological Seminary?
A: I invite students to always remember
that thinking theologically is about
thinking at the margins of society. As a black woman who comes from a
Pentecostal tradition, I am hopeful that
my social location and identity will help
students see the importance of diversity
in the community and in its dialogue
about God.
Q: What is one thing you hope your
students will take away from your
classes?
A: That theology is ultimately about the
work of fashioning beloved communities.
To love God means to love your
neighbor. Nothing more, nothing less.