DESCRIPTION: This course develops a biblically-based, theological approach to identity by exploring the relationship between racial identity, ethnic identity, and Christian identity. Lectures and discussions about selected NT passages and secondary literature about identity help students understand the biblical worldview, Greco-Roman thought, and modern and postmodern trends on the subject of racial and ethnic identity. Students will be exposed to theoretical approaches that will be used to construct a uniquely Christian ethic about issues in race relations in U.S. society.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christians need to develop a biblically based, historically and contextually sensitive understanding of the intersection of ethno-racial identity and Christian commitment in order to meet the challenges of multiculturalism in the contemporary church.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will be able to (1) understand the historical development of race and ethnicity vis-à-vis early Christianity; (2) apply modern identity theory to issues in modern ethnicity and race relations; (3) understand how race impacts the church in the United States; and (4) develop biblical resources for constructing a Christian ethic of race relations and racial identity.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING: Selected chapters from the following books:

Hays, J. Daniel. From Every People and Nation. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2003. ISBN: 0830826165, $22.00.

Emerson, M., and Christian Smith. Divided by Faith. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN: 0195147073, $19.99.

Issues in Race and Ethnicity. Ed. CQ Researcher. 5th ed. Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2011. ISBN: 9871608717088, $36.95.

McKenzie, S. L. All God's Children. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1997. ISBN: 0664256953, $29.95.

Tatum, Beverly Daniel. Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? New York: BasicBooks, 1997, 1999. ISBN: 0465083617, $15.95.

COURSE PACK that includes readings from the following:

Blount, Brian. Can I Get a Witness: Reading Revelation through African American Culture. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2005, selected chapters.

Hays, Richard B. The Moral Vision of the New Testament. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1996, selected chapters.

Levine, Amy Jill. A Misunderstood Jew. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2006, selected chapters.

Sechrest, Love. A Former Jew: Paul and the Dialectics of Race. London: T&T Clark, 2009, selected chapters.

1. Group presentation on selected topic in ethnicity or race relations per class guidelines (30%)

2. Term paper (10-15 pp.) that does theological and biblical reflection on some pertinent ethical dilemma in ethnicity or race relations raised by the course (40%)

3. Very short typewritten responses to course readings (20%)

4. Class participation (10%)