Hip-Hop Redemption - New book by Ralph Watkins of Columbia Theological Seminary

Decatur, GA. Ralph C. Watkins, associate professor evangelism and church growth at Columbia Theological Seminary, is the author of Hip Hop Redemption: Finding God in the Rhythm and the Rhyme (Engaging Culture) published by Baker Academic. In this new work, Dr. Watkins offers a theological exegesis of the music and culture of hip-hop, as well as an analysis of its popularity. While acknowledging that sexism, misogyny, and capitalistic greed are part of the hip-hop culture, he finds in the beat and rhyme a prophetic voice crying out and sharing the pain of African American youth in the city. Revealing what is inherently good and redeeming in the music, Dr. Watkins sees implications for evangelism, worship, and spiritual practices, and for opening the power of the Bible for ministry to misunderstood generation.

Dr. Watkins is the author of several more books, including From Jay-Z to Jesus and The Gospel Remix. He previously was assistant dean of the African American church studies program and associate professor of society, religion, and Africana studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.