Book Review: Dancing with God: The Trinity from a Womanist Perspective

Karen Baker-Fletcher’s Dancing with God: The Trinity from a Womanist Perspective is an exploration of the concept of the Holy Trinity in the light of her African American heritage and womanist theology, bringing to the fore a new layer of understanding from diverse sources.

One of the most notable strengths of this book is its ability to bridge the gap between the traditional Christian theological perspective and the lived experiences of African American women. The text remains rooted in Christian doctrine, yet it manages to portray these doctrines in a way that resonates with those who have not always seen themselves represented in mainstream interpretations. Baker-Fletcher challenges us to examine our understanding of God, presenting a vision of the Trinity that is dynamic, active, and relational.

Baker-Fletchers treatment of perichoresis-- the divine dance-- is rich and thought-provoking. This dance is a rhythmic interplay of the Divine Three—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. She underscores the connection between this divine dance and the communal dance of African and African American cultures. By exploring this correlation, Baker-Fletcher works to decolonize Christian theology, reclaiming it for communities that have historically been marginalized.

Dancing with God is well-written, scholarly, and yet accessible. Baker-Fletcher's prose has a poetic character. Her engaging style makes the complex theological ideas she discusses more digestible for a wide range of readers. The author’s personal narratives shared throughout the book further enrich the discussion offering authenticity to an academic text.

Dancing with God: The Trinity from a Womanist Perspective is an important read for anyone interested in exploring the intersections of theology, gender, and race. It opens a space for dialogue and reflection, inviting us to engage with theological concepts in helpful and transformative ways. This is a theologically creative work that celebrates the Divine’s dynamic and relational nature.