In 1967, Reverend James Cone wrote Black Theology and Black Power. In the book, he describes a Black theology that supports the teachings of the Black Power movement, which emphasizes the need for Black liberation and rejects less assertive integrative measures. In 2003in response to the question "Is the Black church too political?"Cone urged his audience to consider the church's mission:

Is its mission primarily saving souls? Or is it saving bodies? Or is it both together? I think if you see them both together, I think you would have to see that the Black church [has] to be political because politics is a part of life. It also has to be concerned about saving souls, because full meaning in life is not simply found in politics.

Consider Cone's response. Then answer the following questions:

1. What do you think Cone meant when he said that the Black church can focus on "primarily saving souls," primarily "saving bodies," or saving "both together"?
2. Cone sees the mission of the Black church as saving "both together." How do you think Black ministers who saw the mission of the Black church as "primarily saving souls" viewed the abolitionist movement?
3. Do you think this religious debate is still relevant today? Why or why not?