Summer 2019/Pasadena
TH544
Akinade
TH544: BLACK THEOLOGY: AFRICAN ROOTS (4 Units: 162 hours). Akintunde Akinade.
By explicating the four sources of theological reflection: Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason, the course will show how Black Theology is “faith seeking understanding.”
As a pedagogical device, the course will also explore how the concept of “anthropological poverty” developed and articulated by the Cameroonian theologian, Englebert Mveng resonates with slavery in the African American historical experience. We shall discover how this concept contributed to what Albert Raboteau has described as “invisible institutions” within the American landscape.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) Students will create an appropriate assessment, analysis, and engagement of the systematic African antecedents to African American/Black Theology. (2) Students will understand the theological issues present in the African American community from their time of coming from Africa up through slavery. (3) Students will appreciate the importance of interpreting culture and how that affects one's theology; this should inform priorities for ministry, especially in the African American context.
COURSE FORMAT: This class meets daily for four-hour sessions from July 8-19 for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING: 1092 pages required.
Burton, Keith Augustus. The Blessings of Africa: The Bible and African Christianity. IVP Academic, 2007. ISBN: 978-0830827626, Pub. Price $25.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [120 pp.].
Cone, James H. A Black Theology of Liberation. Orbis Books, 2010. Special Edition. ISBN: 978-1570758959, Pub. Price $20.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [192 pp.].
Hood, Robert E. Must God Remain Greek? Afro Cultures and God-Talk. Augsburg Fortress, 1994. ISBN-13: 978-0800624491, Pub. Price $22.00. [288 pp.].
Oden, Thomas. How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: Rediscovering the African Seedbed of Western Christianity. InterVarsity Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0830837052, Pub. Price $22.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [204 pp.].
Paris, Peter J. The Spirituality of African Peoples: The Search for a Common Moral Discourse. Fortress Press, 1995. ISBN: 978-0800628543, Pub. Price $23.00. [163 pp.].
Williams, Delores. Sisters in the Wilderness: The Challenges of Womanist God-Talk. Orbis Books, 1993. ISBN: 978-0883447727, Pub. Price $18.80. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [125pp.].
RECOMMENDED READING:
Readings by Albert Raboteau, Peter Paris, Stacey Floyd-Thomas, Dianne Stewart, Mercy Amba Oduyoye, Gayraud Wilmore, Itumeleng Mosala, Dwight Hopkins, and Anthony Pinn will be made available in Canvas.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.