Michaelangelo may have portrayed God as a white man, but a leading academic will be in York tomorrow (Wed) saying otherwise.

York St John University’s Centre for Religion in Society is hosting a lecture entitled: “God is not a white man: Race, Faith and Belief in a Post Riot World.”

The free Winter 2024 Ebor Lecture features acclaimed author, speaker and Director of Theos thinktank, Chine McDonald.

McDonald, author of the influential book God Is Not a White Man, will confront challenging truths about race, identity, and faith.

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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.  

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“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” 

Chine says she is fascinated by the intertwining of religion and faith as well as race and faith.

She explained: “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.” 

Chine continued: “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.”

There is also an evolving concept of God, which has changed throughout society, reflecting culture and the dominant cultural narratives of the times.

Chine further explained: “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.” 

The academic says the free event at 5pm at the University’s Creative Centre and online is open to all and she hopes it will expand perspectives and maybe even change minds.

Registration is via Eventbrite  

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