Dwight Hopkins facts for kids

Dwight Nathaniel Hopkins (born in 1953) is an American professor, author, and ordained Baptist minister. He is a leading expert in theology, which is the study of religious faith and ideas. He teaches at the prestigious University of Chicago.

Early Life and Education

Dwight Hopkins was born on February 22, 1953, in Richmond, Virginia. He was a very dedicated student. In 1976, he earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard University, one of the top universities in the world.

He continued his studies at the Union Theological Seminary in New York City. There, he earned three more degrees: a Master of Divinity, a Master of Philosophy, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 1988. A PhD is the highest degree a person can get in a field of study.

Hopkins also earned a second PhD from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. His research there helped him write his 2000 book, Down, Up and Over: Slave Religion and Black Theology.

A Career of Teaching and Faith

Dr. Hopkins is a professor of theology at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. In 2024, he was honored with the title of Laura Spelman Rockefeller Professor for his important work.

Besides teaching, Hopkins is a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. This is the same church that former U.S. President Barack Obama once attended. Hopkins also helps lead the International Association of Black Religions and Spiritualities, a group that studies faith around the world.

What is Black Theology?

Hopkins is a key figure in a field called black liberation theology. This is a way of understanding religion from the perspective of the Black community's fight for freedom and justice.

Hopkins explains that black theology explores "how God, or the spirit of freedom, works with the oppressed black community for their full humanity." It began in 1966 when a group of Black pastors wanted to connect their faith with the "black power" movement, which aimed to achieve self-determination for African Americans.

A Spark of Inspiration

Hopkins became interested in black theology after a colleague showed him an article by James H. Cone, another important theologian. Hopkins was so inspired that he enrolled at the Union Theological Seminary to study with Cone, who became his teacher and advisor.

Defending the Black Church

Hopkins has often spoken about the importance of the Black church in America. He believes it is a powerful voice for justice and community.

When his pastor, Jeremiah Wright, faced public criticism for a sermon, Hopkins explained the pastor's words. He said that some of the language used was a form of "theological wordplay" rooted in the original Hebrew language of the Bible. Hopkins argued that the criticism was not just about one person, but was an attack on the role of the Black church in speaking out against injustice.

Selected Books by Dwight Hopkins

Dr. Hopkins has written and edited many books about theology, race, and culture. Here are a few of his important works:

• Being Human: Race, Culture, and Religion (2005)
• Heart and Head: Black Theology Past, Present, and Future (2002)
• Down, Up & Over: Slave Religion and Black Theology (1999)
• Introducing Black Theology of Liberation (1999)
• Shoes That Fit our Feet: Sources for a Constructive Black Theology (1993): This book won an award from the Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Human Rights.