Summer 2007/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: July 16-27
NE560
Myers
NE560: AFROCENTRIC BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS. William H. Myers.
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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students should
understand (1) the development, scope, methodology and application of
Afrocentric hermeneutics; (2) the similarities, dissimilarities and critiques
of other hermeneutical approaches such as Eurocentric, feminist and womanist;
(3) its interdisciplinary approach and sources ; (4) the significance of social
location on the interpretive process.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: 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.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will be a combination of lectures, video tapes,
discussion, group and individual assignments. The class will meet daily for two
weeks for four-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Bailey, Randall C., ed., Yet with a Steady Beat: Contemporary
Afrocentric Biblical Interpretation. Semeia Studies. Society of Biblical
Literature, 2003.
- Blount, Brian K., ed. True to Our Native Land: An African American
Commentary on the New Testament. Fortress, 2007 (available May
1,2007).
- Brown, Michael J. Blackening of the Bible: The Aims of African
American Biblical Scholarship. Trinity Press International, 2004.
- Callahan, Allen D. The Talking Book: African Americans and the
Bible. Yale University Press, 2006.
- Felder, C. H., ed. Stony the Road We Trod: African American Biblical
Interpretation. Fortress, 1991.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Bailey, Randall C., and Jacquelyn Grant, eds. The Recovery of
Black Presence: An Interdisciplinary Exploration. Abingdon, 1995.
- Blount, Brian K. Go Preach! Mark's Kingdom Message and the Black Church
Today. Orbis, 1998.
- __________. Then the Whisper Put On Flesh: New Testament Ethics in an
African American Context. Abingdon, 2001.
- Byron, Gay L. Symbolic Blackness and Ethnic Difference in Early
Christian Literature. Routledge, 2002.
- *Copher, Charles. Black Biblical Studies. Chicago: Black Light
Fellowship, 1993 (Order: 312-563-0081).
- Roberts, J. Deotis. Africentric Christianity: A Theological Appraisal
for Ministry. Judson Press, 2000.
- Sadler, Rodney S., Jr. Can a Cushite Change His Skin? An Examination of
Race, Ethnicity, and Othering in the Hebrew Bible. New York: T& T
Clark, 2005.
- *Sanders, C. J., ed. Living the Intersection: Womanism and Afrocentrism
in Theology. Fortress, 1995.
- Waters, Kenneth L., Sr. Afrocentric Sermons: The Beauty of Blackness in
the Bible. Judson Press, 1993.
- *Weems, Renita J. Just A Sister Away: A Womanist Vision of Woman's
Relationships in the Bible. San Diego: LuraMedia, 1988.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) A ten-page well-documented Afrocentric biblical hermeneutics
research paper from one of the four categories of contemporary Afrocentric
biblical research (50% of grade). (2) A class presentation on an assigned
chapter or article from one of the required readings depending on class size
(25%). (3) Class presentation connecting African American imagery/iconography
with the Bible or juxtaposing an Afrocentric with a Eurocentric hermeneutical
interpretation (25%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.