DESCRIPTION:

Beginning with a brief introduction of the religion of slaves, the class will survey the influence African-American women and men have had and now have upon African-American spirituality. Attention will be given to sermons, songs, prayers, poetry, novels, and theology that emanate from the souls of Black people. The themes of call, conversion, commitment, connectedness, community, and communion will be explored in the context of African-American Spirituality.

The relevance of the course for ministry is that each student will be challenged to harmonize the professional and technical skills of ministry with a lifestyle of piety, prayer, and spiritual discipline.

The course will meet daily for four hours for two weeks. The basic format will include lectures, discussion of the texts and the required readings, and student presentations of their research. A field trip to First A.M.E. and West Angeles Church of God in Christ or another approved church will be required of all students.

Carruthers, Iva E., Frederick D. Haynes III, and Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Blow the Trumpet in Zion. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2005.

Noel, James A. and Matthew Johnson. The Passion of the Lord: African American Reflections. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2005.

Pinn, Anthony B. Why Lord? New York: Continuum Press, 1995.

Stewart, Carlyle Fielding, III. Soul Survivors: An African American Spirituality. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997.

Townes, Emilie M., ed. A Troubling in My Soul: Womanist Perspectives on Evil and Suffering. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1996.

Costen, Melva Wilson. African American Christian Worship. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993.

Riggs, Marcia Y. Awake, Arise and Act: A Womanist Call for Black Liberation. Cleveland: Pilgrim Press, 1994.

Smith, J. Alfred, Sr. No Other Help I Know. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1996.

__________. Falling in Love with God. Chicago: Urban Ministries, Inc., 1997.

Townes, Emilie M. In a Blaze of Glory: Womanist Spirituality as Social Witness. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995.

Washington, James Melvin. Conversations with God. New York: HarperCollins, 1994.

1. Class attendance.

2. Completion of reading assignments.

3. Completion of field trip evaluation.

4. Completion of take home examination due on Monday of the second week. (Worth 25 points.)

5. Completion of a fifteen-page reflection paper that utilizes the insights gleaned from texts, required and recommended readings, field trips, class discussions, and the interaction with the instructor. The paper should also address the goals of the course. (Worth 50 points.)

Meets MA in Theology requirement in Spirituality (SPIR).

Fifteen-page reflection paper. See assignments.