Description
This course examines the interplay between the Bible and race with particular attention to the experiences of African Americans. Topics are biblical, historical, and theological in nature. Biblically, the course will examine not only the Bible’s explicit teachings on race, but also ways that the biblical narrative (such as the exodus story) has informed black identity. Historically, the class will focus on slavery, its abolition, the civil rights movement, the Pan-African movement, as well as more contemporary issues. Theologically, students will gain exposure to ideas from liberationist, postcolonial, and black theologians. Successful completion of the class also provides a solid understanding of both the biblical narrative and the Black experience in America.