Raymond Carr, PhD, Advisor and Member in the Editorial Committee, Center for International Public Theology in Forum
Research Associate, Moses Mesoamerican Archive and Research Project, Harvard University, Director, Codex Charles H. Long Papers Project, President of the Society for the Study of Black Religion (SSBR)
Dr. Carr is an international public theologian whose research interests are theologically ecumenical, historically sensitive, and radically inclusive. His work bridges the gap between systematic theology and black religion. To learn more about Raymond visit www.raymondcarr.com and https://ssbr1970.com/president.
Photo by Caroline Cataldo
https://hds.harvard.edu/news/2023/04/07/exploring-reimagination-matter-charles-long
Joi and Raymond Carr joined Harvard Divinity School (HDS) this academic year as visiting professors. Their work at the School includes exploring the story, content, spirit, and influence of Long’s intellectual work through his papers—the Codex Charles H. Long Papers Project. As part of their effort, they have organized a symposium “The (Re)Imagination of Matter: Introducing the Codex Charles H. Long Papers Project,” focusing on Long’s work.
From Exploring the ‘(Re)Imagination of Matter’ and Charles H. Long
HDS: You both are visiting professors at HDS this academic year. Tell me about yourselves, your research interests, and what attracted you to HDS?
Joi and Raymond Carr: First, let us say that we have had a wonderful semester here at HDS. It has been invigorating and insightful to see behind the veil of what existed in our minds about the mythic dimensions of “Harvard.” We now know and appreciate the real people who continually make magic happen here. This second sight into Harvard has been refreshing and leaves our imaginations filled with possibilities. And while Cambridge, especially during this time of year, does not have the kind of weather we enjoy in Malibu, California, the warm intellectual climate here makes up for the weather.
We also thank Dean David Hempton, who had the foresight to support this project. This is his last year as Dean of HDS, and we hope our efforts honor his service. This symposium is a gesture that witnesses to the insight and leadership of Hempton, who has worked effectively to enlarge the presence of African American studies at HDS. We are also fellows at the HDS Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR), which falls under the guidance of Charles Stang. He is doing an excellent job and has made the Center a welcoming space for us. The CSWR is wonderful community, and we enjoy the cozy proximity to HDS.
Theology of Life-script
Raymond Carr: I am from a small town called West Petersburg, Virginia. My theological and religious sensibilities emerge ultimately out of that African American working-class community. I am a veteran of the United States Air Force, and I served as an Assistant Professor of Theology and Ethics at Pepperdine University, an appointment which included international visiting assignments in Heidelberg, Germany; Lausanne, Switzerland; and Shanghai, China. My research interests are theologically ecumenical, historically sensitive, and radically inclusive.
In terms of interests, my work bridges the intersection between theology and religion. I am concerned with what is technically called a theologia religionum, a theology of religions. This language can be interpreted as a shorthand way of describing the relationship between “dogmatic” interests of theologians like Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, and James Cone on one hand, and the religious interests of thinkers like Rudolf Otto, Mircea Eliade, and Charles H. Long, and Toni Morrison on the other.
I approach such discussions in a unique way by appealing to the musical aesthetics and thinking of Thelonious Monk, the High Priest of Bebop, to inform my thinking, teaching, and writing about these topics. Monk’s mode of approaching and performing jazz functions as a medium for my way of exploring the relationship between religion and theology.
I will have a multivolume work released on the topic by the end of the year. The series is called Theology in the Mode of Monk: An Aesthetics of Barth and Cone on Revelation and Freedom. The first volume is subtitled Epistrophy; the second is Round Midnight; and the third is Misterioso. I refer to these volumes as Monk’s theological discography. I also have two other monographs Signifying Monk and Credo: In Monk Mode under contract and in progress.