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Keep shoppingBlack Theology 101
39 students
Black Theology 101
Interpreting scripture and theology through the African American lens and experience
Created byEric Betts, Ph.D.
Last updated 12/2023
English
English [Auto],
What you'll learn
- How the cross, a symbol of Jesus' suffering, can be paralleled with the lynching tree, symbolizing the suffering and oppression of Black individuals
- How to interpret the theological significance of remembering and memorializing in the context of the history of the enslaved and their descendants in America,
- How to reinterpret common New Testament misinterpretations concerning "authorities" and American law enforcement, through the lens of the Black experience
- How to interpret/explain the theological concept of unapologetic Blackness and how it provides a spiritual basis for resistance against racial discrimination.
- How to effectively convey the idea of Christ's blackness in terms of His solidarity with the suffering of African descendents
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Course content
6 sections • 22 lectures • 4h 11m total length
Requirements
- No prior experience needed
Description
Welcome to an insightful journey into the world of Black Theology with Dr. Eric Betts. This course will delve deep into the thought-provoking interpretations of Black Theology in the American context. We will critically examine how this concept has played a pivotal role in challenging and transforming societal norms. Additionally, we seek to unlearn harmful beliefs and attitudes and embrace a more inclusive and compassionate worldview. Moreover, the course will challenge mainstream theological concepts of color blindness, and instead offer a theology which affirms unapologetic blackness.
A significant portion of our study will be dedicated to understanding James H. Cone's seminal work, 'The Cross and the Lynching Tree.' Here, we will draw parallels between the crucifixion of Jesus and the tragic history of lynching in America. Cone's theology of the cross represents not only Jesus' suffering but also the agony endured by marginalized and oppressed communities. We will explore how these symbols of suffering also embody the hope and resilience of those who face adversity and injustice.
In this course, we aim to challenge your perspectives, asking you to confront the realities of racial violence and inequality through these powerful, symbolic lenses. We hope that understanding and reconciling these symbols will lead to a richer, more transformative, and liberating faith experience.
As we delve deeper into this course, we will also explore the intersectionality of race and gender in Black Theology. We will examine how the lived experiences of Black women have shaped and informed their understanding of faith and spirituality within a society that often marginalizes and oppresses them.
We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, where we will engage in critical thinking, self-reflection, and growth. Our goal is to not only gain knowledge but also to actively apply it towards creating a more just and equitable world. Join us as we embark on this remarkable journey of exploration, reflection, and growth.
Who this course is for:
- Clergy and aspiring clergy who are looking for a flexible online non-traditional theological education who are not yet prepared to invest in seminary.
- Lay-persons who may teach bible classes and desire to be more informed about the connection between black thought and the Bible
- Educators who have a desire to teach black thought and become social leaders