"Frederick, is God dead?"

"Frederick, is God dead?" -Sojourner Truth

This question, posed to Frederick Douglass shook an anti-slavery meeting long ago and has similarly been shaking me as it rings in my heart and mind. Over the past few weeks, I have been sitting with the power of this question. I think it is fitting on a day where many are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus that I attempt to put words to some of my feelings and thoughts.

This quote, possibly uttered in 1852 (there are some thoughts around when this was said) at an anti-slavery convention was made seemingly as a rhetorical question. If you are familiar with more of Sojourner Truth’s history you will know her for famously uttering another rhetorical question; “Ain’t I a woman?”. Frederick Douglass recounts Truth’s question in a letter here:

While describing the power of Slavery in the church and the state in furtherance of my argument, Sojourner in a distant part of the “Hall” startled me and the whole audience with the question “Is God dead?” The suddenness and sharpness together with its impertinence brought me for a moment to a complete halt. I had said nothing that called for such a question but gave it a negative answer and went on with my speech. I have never been able to see why such an incident should be so often referred to. The effect of the question was much in the tone in which it was asked—and the moment in my speech when it came. It has been said I was completely unhorsed and discomfited by the question. Perhaps I was, but as I remember my condition at the time, I was about as self-possessed as was my audience. We were all for the moment brought to a standstill—just as we should have been if someone had thrown a brick through the window.

We probably will never know why Sojourner Truth shook the hall that day with this thunderous question. While some have said that she actually uttered “is God gone?”, I choose to focus on the beauty of Douglass doing theology in a public place. Here he is speaking and theologizing in such a way that together with this powerful Black woman they wrestled with slavery and the nature of God. There had to be some type of God-claims present in Douglass’ presentation that evoked such a question.

So…is God dead?

He is Risen indeed.

On a day where we celebrate the wonder of God rising out of the ashes of death, triumphant proclamation seems to be the name of the game. Many who are celebrating today would answer this question emphatically and say “No!” They might also say “He is risen indeed.” Regardless of one’s theological positions or beliefs, I would beckon you to sit with this question. What are the implications of this question and the possible answers/ How does this question impact those fighting for liberation like Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass? What to the oppressed is a God alive and at work in the world?

Come Children

by Robert Monson

Come children and I will tell you a story.

A story of a King who died and came alive.

Sown in weakness

but was raised incorruptible.

The hope of the weak and the desperate

and all those whom this world has rejected

*Bless you all on this Sunday. May you find peace and a healing balm.*