Beyond the Book with Dr. Strickland: “Swing Low”

In the following Q&A, Strickland takes some time to answer a few questions about his newly released work.

What is the purpose of “Swing Low,” and who is its target audience?

My desire is to introduce the body of Christ to an underexplored tributary in the American Christian story from an Orthodox theological perspective. “Swing Low” will be used as a textbook in seminaries and Bible colleges because of its comprehensive exploration of the topic, but it is accessible for anyone who desires to wade through its pages.

What motivated you to write “Swing Low”?

“Swing Low” is certainly a passion project. I stumbled upon many of the figures introduced in the book while I was writing my doctoral dissertation, and I was heartbroken that I hadn’t been exposed to these faithful brothers and sisters having grown up in the church or in my first three theological degrees. As the project developed, I began understanding new aspects of my own spiritual heritage and the faith of my God-fearing family. It was refreshing.

As the project developed, I began understanding new aspects of my own spiritual heritage and the faith of my God-fearing family.

How does “Swing Low” uniquely contribute to the study of the history of African American Christianity?

The story of African American Christianity has been told by exploring its denominational development, social impact, and political engagement. While each of those is necessary to provide historical accuracy, the most important missing piece has been an account of the theology that drives the narrative. To that end, “Swing Low” begins by providing a theological framework that is grounded in the Orthodox Christianity that marked the African American Christian witness and traces its development from the 1700s to the 21st century. This theological framework also reveals that some of the most prominent African American religious scholars of the 20th century do not represent the theological convictions of the average churchgoer. This realization corrects wide-spread misconceptions about the theology in African American churches that were perpetuated by academics that are unrecognizable to regular church folk.

Why did you choose to write “Swing Low” as a two-volume set, presenting first a narrative history and then a collection of primary texts?

Volume 1 provides a historical-theological narrative spanning several centuries, offering an introduction to the arc of the African American Christian story. Along the way, you will discover some new heroes who will lift your heart to heaven and provide tangible examples of how to live out Christ in daily circumstances. This narrative is also an opportunity to theologically assess the development of African American theology — particularly its diversification during the second half of the 20th century. My prayer is that this survey will inspire more in-depth research on specific theological developments, figures, and time periods across a variety of academic disciplines.

My prayer is that this survey will inspire more in-depth research on specific theological developments, figures, and time periods across a variety of academic disciplines.

Volume 2 grants access to a vast array of primary sources including sermons, oratory, hymnody, autobiography, prayers, and theological treatises. Exposure to this extensive body of Black Christian literature across various genres allows you to hear their voices directly, without relying on others to summarize the literature for you. Those who either over-spiritualize Black Christianity or reduce it to mere radicalism will see that African American Christians are not simply rebels against oppression; they are a people driven by a deep and robust faith in the God of the Bible.

What mindset should readers have when approaching “Swing Low”?

The best approach for reading “Swing Low” is to be ready to hear the stories of brothers and sisters who bore witness to Christ in a variety of circumstances that will encourage us to live more faithfully.  While this is a formal study of a Christian tradition, it shouldn’t be read with distance, but with a desire to become intimately acquainted with the figures within the narrative. Since this a historical survey, however, I have included historical figures that I have theological disagreements with, but the predominant posture should be one of anticipating edification.

While this is a formal study of a Christian tradition, it shouldn’t be read with distance, but with a desire to become intimately acquainted with the figures within the narrative.

How does this book equip readers to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission?

In addition to accounting for missions methodologies that are uncommon today, “Swing Low” provides a depth of insight into the language, customs, and traditions of a faith expression that might be familiar or unfamiliar to you. For both readers, the book provides insight into the faith of a people who will receive your knowledge of their customs and practices as an expression of love for them.  In addition, this book helps you to understand the longings, questions, and challenges experienced by many African Americans, which provides an opportunity to convey a need for the gospel of Jesus Christ in more poignant ways.

How has researching and writing “Swing Low” shaped you spiritually?

I have been continually challenged by the faithfulness of many of these believers in adverse circumstances.  Their trust in God amid difficulty has inspired me to take hold of God’s unchanging hand in every season of life. I’ve also been shaped by a passion for God’s word. During the 1700s and 1800s it was illegal for African Americans to learn to read, but a culture of orality allowed the stories of Scripture to permeate the hearts and minds of the faithful. After emancipation, former slaves made it their duty to become literate for the express purpose of reading the Bible for themselves. My research has caused me to do likewise and treasure access to God’s word because special revelation is a gift from the Lord.