Abstract
Dr. James H. Costen, President o f the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) delivered this, his Inaugural Address as the Fifth President of ITC, at Sister’s Chapel, Spelman College on 20 March 1984. His speech addresses the significance of Black theological education through three interconnected sections: Context, Content and Conduct. First, in terms of Context, Dr. Costen argues that theology or “God Talk” Is not performed in a vacuum, disconnected or isolated from present circumstances. Therefore, Black theological education must take into account the community’s historical experience of oppression and marginalization. Second, Black theological education must see the survival of the Black Church as the content of black theological education.