Overview

"Yong offers the first practical theology of multiracial experiences, bridging the hitherto disparate disciplines of critical mixed-race studies, critical race theory, and Panikkar studies. For the field of mixed-race studies, Yong sounds a compelling call to consider the role of spirituality and contemplative practices in supporting the empowerment of multiracial people." --Robert Chao Romero, UCLA, author, Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity

“In Multiracial Cosmotheandrism, Aizaiah G. Yong casts a pastoral and prophetic vision for racial justice and healing that centers the wisdom, beauty, and hope embodied in the lives and spiritual strivings of mixed-race people.  Yong marshals the methods of critical mixed-race studies and practical theology to argue for a contemplative approach to spiritual formation and care that attends to the complexities of ‘multi/racial experience(s).’  By centering multiraciality, Yong’s approach to healing justice through contemplative spirituality disrupts the binary, monocultural, and oppositional imagination that strengthens and perpetuates white supremacy.  This book promises to serve as a support not only to those of mixed-race pursuing a path to their own spiritual wellbeing in the face of racial trauma, but also as an invaluable resource to all students, teachers, community leaders, and activists seeking more holistic and imaginative approaches to anti-racist work.”-- Teddy Hickman-Maynard, Associate Dean for Ministry Studies, Harvard Divinity School

“Aizaiah Yong has written the book that many who work in ministries of justice have long needed. This text brings spirituality and practical theology to the rightful place of center in the work of social healing and justice. Both a personal work and an academic work, Yong balances intellectual inquiry with experiential authenticity that will speak on multiple levels to the discerning reader.”- Soong-Chan Rah, Robert Munger Professor of Evangelism, Fuller Theological Seminary. Author of Prophetic Lament

“Brilliant and inspired. . . . An essential book to dig in depth into the racial, cultural, and religious plurality of our time and to be orientated in the spiritual experience that it entails.” –Fr. Javier Melloni, SJ, director, Spiritual Centre Cave of Saint Ignatius, Manresa, Spain

 “An evocative and original approach to the multiracial spiritual experience that is both academic and practical, and deeply needed in this increasingly diverse world.” –Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, Claremont School of Theology

“An invitation to celebrate and taste the unconditional Love of the Triune Mystery that pervades the cosmos, manifested in manifold ways in our humanity as we walk together on this Earth seeking to overcome the forces of animosity and ill-will that tend to divide our global human family.” –Ruben L.F. Habito, author, Be Still and Know

In this book, Aizaiah G. Yong critically considers how the lives and spiritual experiences of mixed-race people can transform efforts for racial justice across the planet. Yong is inspired by the life and philosophy of Raimon Panikkar, a twentieth-century interreligious spiritual leader whose own experiences of the world were foundationally shaped by his life as a mixed-race person. This book focuses on the experiences of mixed-race people and challenges practical theology to broaden its own attention to practices of spirituality beyond mono-racial paradigms. Mixed-race people have profound resources for confronting and healing from racism and racial oppression within their lives and their stories, and this book demonstrates calls for strengthened collective efforts to tend to the beautiful depths of spiritual formation for mixed-race people.

Aizaiah Yong serves on the faculty and in the administration of Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA. From a multiracial and immigrant family, Yong is committed to sustaining transformational, collective efforts that address ongoing realities of social oppression with presence, passion, and peace.

Related Materials

Click Here For The Table Of Contents

Click Here For The Book Introduction