The Joseph Theory is a framework for racial reconciliation developed by Fr. Jabriel S. Ballentine and forms the foundation of his theology of liberation. Developed to speak to the experience of a people who have decided to not exodus from the land of their oppression, the Joseph Theory presents a potential shift in racial reconciliation.

We all want to know how we can have a truly integrated, multi-cultural Society. The framework for achieving that goal is found in the story of Joseph. Using the Joseph Theory as his foundation, Fr. Ballentine has developed a series of workshops, seminars, counseling, studies and etc. for diversity training, racial justice and reconciliation. For information on booking Fr. Ballentine to make a presentation for your group, company or organization, please contact jahbread[@]gmail.com or call 321.236.2878.

The Exodus narrative forms the foundation of theology in America and the West. Yet, the Exodus narrative never calls for reconciliation.  As such, it cannot provide a model for reconciliation.

In Fr. Ballentine’s view, the Joseph narrative (Genesis 37-50 & the Ethiopic History of Joseph – Zenāhu le-Yösef) provides a stronger parallel to the experience of Africans in America.  Having been sold into slavery by their brothers and sisters, African people found themselves under the control of Pharaoh and America’s political and economic elite on plantations, in segregated communities, in ghettos, etc.  Despite their diligence and faithfulness, they faced further subjugation.  Yet, in the end, African people in America (as did Joseph, in Egypt) now find themselves in positions of authority, in the land of their bondage.  As Joseph, a former slave, became ruler of Egypt, through the many members of the Black Elite (e.g. Oprah, Jay-Z, LeBron James, Deval Patrick, etc.) the descendants of American Slavery have risen to positions of stature culminating in Barack Obama’s ascendance to the Presidency.

This story is particularly well-suited for forging a more truly integrated society.  Moving away from the Exodus motif’s model of liberation as reparations and repatriation, the Joseph motif establishes liberation as redemption and reconciliation: redemption of degraded humanity and reconciliation between former master and former slave, as well as between descendants of the brothers and sisters sold, and of the brothers and sisters who did the selling.

Fr. Ballentine is available to provide your organization, company or group with coaching, seminars and workshops geared towards fostering true integration. For more information, please contact jahbread[@]gmail.com or call 321.236.2878.

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