Episode Summary:
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Vincent Bacote, theologian and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College. We dive deep into his journey from aspiring veterinarian to theology professor, explore the tensions between faith and academia, and unpack the complicated history and identity of evangelicalism—especially through the lens of Black experience and scholarship. Dr. Bacote also shares insights on his compelling new documentary Black and Evangelical, which unearths the often-overlooked voices and stories in American evangelicalism.
Topics Covered:
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Dr. Bacote’s unexpected path to academia and theology
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Anti-intellectualism in Christian spaces
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The evolution and definition of evangelicalism
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Navigating Black identity within predominantly white evangelical institutions
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The making and importance of the Black and Evangelical documentary
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Forgotten voices like Tom Skinner, Bill Pinnell, and Carl Ellis
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The theological mandate to address racism and love our neighbors
Links & Resources:
🎬 Watch the documentary Black and Evangelical
📘 Books mentioned:
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My Friend the Enemy by William Pinnell
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Free at Last by Carl Ellis
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The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism by Carl F.H. Henry
Connect with Dr. Bacote:
