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Brad R. Braxton
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Dr. Brad R. Braxton is Distinguished Visiting Scholar at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois for the 2010-11 academic year. He is an ordained Baptist minister and a respected voice among today’s progressive religious leaders. His speaking engagements have included appearances at institutions such as Yale University, Princeton University, Duke University, Emory University, and Morehouse College. In March 2007, Dr. Braxton preached at Westminster Abbey in London, England, joining a select group of American preachers to stand in that historic pulpit. He also has preached in Canada, Ghana, and South Africa.

Dr. Braxton holds a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Emory University, a Master’s degree in theology from the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and a B.A. degree in religious studies from the University of Virginia, where he was a Jefferson Scholar.

His publications include three books: Preaching Paul (2004); No Longer Slaves: Galatians and African American Experience (2002); and The Tyranny of Resolution: I Corinthians 7:17-24 (2000), as well as numerous essays and sermons. He is a member of a team of scholars who have created The African American Lectionary, the first online, ecumenical African American preaching and worship lectionary.

Dr. Braxton’s previous positions include professorships at Vanderbilt University and Wake Forest University and pastorates at the Riverside Church in New York City and Douglas Memorial Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

His wife, Lazetta, is a Certified Financial PlannerTM and CEO of her own financial planning firm. They have one daughter, Karis.

Blog Entries by Brad R. Braxton

Worship And Prayer In African American Christianity

(6) Comments | Posted October 25, 2011 | 8:03 AM

Cultural Connections: The African Roots of the African American Church

The impact of Africans on world civilizations is well documented. Africans have created and contributed to many aspects of culture, from commerce to cuisine. Religion has been at the center of these African contributions.

Therefore, it...

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The Holy Spirit, Jesus and Social Justice in Black Churches: Making Noise or Making a Difference?

(296) Comments | Posted March 5, 2011 | 10:47 PM

In a 1999 essay titled "A Good Time or a Good Life? The Black Church in the Twenty-First Century," I attempted to chart the opportunities and obstacles facing black churches on the eve of the new millennium. An extensive quotation from the essay revealed my concern for the lack of...

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Getting in Front of Jesus: The Politics of Progressive Christianity (Part II)

(268) Comments | Posted August 16, 2010 | 6:45 AM

How can progressive Christians "get in front" of Jesus by using the gospel forward to address pressing social dilemmas? In response to this question, I will discuss two moments from Jesus' story and "remix" them. A remix occurs when fresh elements are introduced into an old framework, thereby creating a...

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Getting in Front of Jesus: The Politics of Progressive Christianity (Part I)

(1172) Comments | Posted July 16, 2010 | 12:28 PM

Parishioners in the church of my childhood often sang the hymn, "I have decided to follow Jesus...No turning back, no turning back." The hymn cautioned disciples about turning away from Jesus. This essay explores the prospect of being disciples by getting in front of Jesus.

To follow a person usually...

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Marriage Equality Is a Theological Necessity

(198) Comments | Posted June 9, 2009 | 11:34 AM

New York - As people of faith and leaders of religious institutions in New York City, we support ending the exclusion of our gay brothers and sisters from civil marriage. Opponents of marriage equality too often attempt to use arguments about religion to denounce equal civil marriage laws. As Christians,...

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