Course Area of Study: Theological Studies
This course is a study of the social, cultural, and historical forces that have shaped the theological understanding of “The Black Church” in the context of North America. Case studies of local congregations from within African American ecclesial traditions, along with evangelical and liberal Protestant traditions is used to critically examine the theological role of church in society. The freedom and justice tradition of the African American church frame the dialogue with a variety of North American church traditions that view the church as an empowering agent of social resistance, cultural critique, and transformation. Attention is also given to present developing ecclesiologies that are emerging from increasingly diverse church communities throughout North America.