Building on the groundbreaking work of William R. Jones, John McClendon has turned his considerable talents to the philosophy of religion, Black Power and Black Christology. Through the lens of dialectical materialism, McClendon presents a delightful, shrewd and very perceptive look at the problems and issues surrounding the philosophy of Black religion. This seminal book combines scholarly breadth, judicious examination and philosophical acumen to provide the most in-depth treatment of James Cone, Howard Thurman, Leon E. Wright, Richard McKinney, Albert Cleage, Major Jones and so many others. For the reader who wants to develop a more complex understanding of Black theology, McClendon provides a much needed roadmap through the dense pathways of Black religion and Black Christology. Whether you are an atheist, free thinker or have religious commitments, this book is worth a read. Beyond a doubt, this book will challenge, and immensely repay, the careful attention of the reader. Through meticulous annotation, McClendon provides the reader with a mountain of sources on Biblical scholarship, philosophy of religion and Black theology. And, lastly, with great philosophical skill he brings out the significance of key debates in the world of Black Theology, particularly as it relates to race, racism and historical criticism. Black Christology and the Quest for Authenticity establishes McClendon as the premier Black intellectual of our times!