DESCRIPTION:

The course will examine the historical roots of hermeneutical ideologies and methodologies that marginalize the presence and influence of Africa and those of African descent upon the Bible and biblical interpretation. In addition, the course will explore the distinctives of Afrocentric hermeneutics and the contributions it makes to biblical interpretation in general.

The peculiar plight of African Americans in particular and marginalized people in general requires relevant biblical interpretation that leads to relevant preaching, teaching, and proactive praxis if the church is to be a force for social change in the world. This course will present the theoretical and practical methodologies for that kind of engagement.

The course will be a combination of lectures, video tapes, discussion, group and individual assignments. The class will meet daily for two weeks (July 24-August 4) for four-hour sessions.

Copher, Charles. Black Biblical Studies. Chicago: Black Light Fellowship, 1993 (Order: 312-563-0081)

Felder, Cain Hope, ed. Stony the Road We Trod: African American Biblical Interpretation. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1991.

Roberts, J. Deotis. Africentric Christianity: A Theological Appraisal for Ministry. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 2000.

Sanders, Cheryl J., ed. Living the Intersection: Womanism and Afrocentrism in Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.

Bailey, Randall C. and Jacquelyn Grant, eds. The Recovery of Black Presence: An Interdisciplinary Exploration. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995.

Fiorenza, Elizabeth S. and Katie Cannon, eds. "Interpretation for Liberation," Semeia 47. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1989.

Myers, William H. God's Yes Was Louder than My No: Rethinking the African American Call to Ministry. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994.

Waters, Kenneth L., Sr. Afrocentric Sermons: The Beauty of Blackness in the Bible. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1993.

Weems, Renita J. Just A Sister Away: A Womanist Vision of Woman's Relationships in the Bible. San Diego: LuraMedia, 1988.

1. A ten page well-documented Afrocentric biblical hermeneutics research paper or project that bridges the theoretical (exegesis, theological) with the practical (preaching, teaching, praxis) in your social setting. See Roberts' book for a model.

2. A class presentation on an assigned chapter from Sanders' or Felder's book, depending on class size.

3. Final exam.

None.

Elective.

Yes.