Flourishing in Babylon

"The black experience in the diaspora is often viewed through prisms of suffering, yearning, and an attachment to a utopian view of freedom. Joe Aldred’s book provides an innovative polemic and diverges from popular theories centred on notions of racism or White supremacy prevalent in other works. Whilst the book recognises the potency of these phenomena and does not detract from racialised critiques, it offers an alternative lens to circumvent the iniquitous system identified as Babylon that often impedes the progress of black people. Joe challenges those of us who are black to come to terms with our own agency, humanity and understanding of our divine image bearers as co-stewards and co-inhabitors of the earth—fundamentals conferred by God. The core of his beliefs is the springboard for the letter written by the Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles as a template to discuss the concept of flourishing. Joe’s work offers a plea for greater self-agency and self-determination for black British constituents to flourish and is a must read!" -- Carol Tomlin
"This book uses Jeremiah’s letter to exiles, to explore the correlation, similarities, challenges, and possibilities for black British people, grappling with the effects and impact of living under oppressive, racist , unjust systems. Importantly, it does not shy away from engaging with subjects and issues that are sometimes sanitised, overly spiritualised and disconnected from the lived realities of those living in hostile environments. The book informs, inspires, and challenges its readers towards critically considering our theological, socio-political and practical responses, in any attempt to become agents of change, empowerment and hope. Furthermore, it offers some reflective questions in each chapter, that can support the Christian Community, especially those involved in the ministry, support and care of black individuals, families, and communities, now comprising of several generations." -- Carver Anderson
"Bishop Joe Aldred, one of the foremost voices in the black Pentecostal church, has penned a poignant and necessary reminder, that the black church remains a powerful medium to aid the success of the black community. Using the writings of the Prophet Jeremiah as its inspiration, this book makes clear, it’s possible for black people in Britain to achieve greatly, despite the political, social and personal challenges they encounter but to do so, self-agency, self-determinism and faith in God and themselves is a must." -- Marcia Dixon MBE