Black Theology 101

Interpreting scripture and theology through the African American lens and experience

What you'll learn

How the cross, a symbol of Jesus' suffering, can be paralleled with the lynching tree, symbolizing the suffering and oppression of Black individuals

How to interpret the theological significance of remembering and memorializing in the context of the history of the enslaved and their descendants in America,

How to reinterpret common New Testament misinterpretations concerning "authorities" and American law enforcement, through the lens of the Black experience

How to interpret/explain the theological concept of unapologetic Blackness and how it provides a spiritual basis for resistance against racial discrimination.

How to effectively convey the idea of Christ's blackness in terms of His solidarity with the suffering of African descendents

Requirements

No prior experience needed

Description

Welcome to an insightful journey into the world of Black Theology with Dr. Eric Betts. This course will delve deep into the thought-provoking interpretations of Black Theology in the American context. We will critically examine how this concept has played a pivotal role in challenging and transforming societal norms. Additionally, we seek to unlearn harmful beliefs and attitudes and embrace a more inclusive and compassionate worldview. Moreover, the course will challenge mainstream theological concepts of color blindness, and instead offer a theology which affirms unapologetic blackness. A significant portion of our study will be dedicated to understanding James H. Cone's seminal work, 'The Cross and the Lynching Tree.' Here, we will draw parallels between the crucifixion of Jesus and the tragic history of lynching in America. Cone's theology of the cross represents not only Jesus' suffering but also the agony endured by marginalized and oppressed communities. We will explore how these symbols of suffering also embody the hope and resilience of those who face adversity and injustice.In this course, we aim to challenge your perspectives, asking you to confront the realities of racial violence and inequality through these powerful, symbolic lenses. We hope that understanding and reconciling these symbols will lead to a richer, more transformative, and liberating faith experience. As we delve deeper into this course, we will also explore the intersectionality of race and gender in Black Theology. We will examine how the lived experiences of Black women have shaped and informed their understanding of faith and spirituality within a society that often marginalizes and oppresses them.We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, where we will engage in critical thinking, self-reflection, and growth. Our goal is to not only gain knowledge but also to actively apply it towards creating a more just and equitable world. Join us as we embark on this remarkable journey of exploration, reflection, and growth.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction to Black Theology

Lecture 1 Black Theology Intro

Lecture 2 Why Black Theology?

Section 2: The Theology of Cross and Lynching Tree

Lecture 3 The Crucifixion and Racial Suffering in America

Lecture 4 The Cross and The Greatest Blues Line in History

Lecture 5 The Cross and Billy Holiday's "Strange Fruit"

Lecture 6 Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone

Lecture 7 The Cross and the Political Power Structure

Lecture 8 The Cross and the Lynching Tree: A Stumbling Block for America

Section 3: The Theology of Black Historical Memory

Lecture 9 Theologizing Carter G. Woodson's View of Black History

Lecture 10 The Divine Mandate to Remember

Lecture 11 The Power of Sacred Black Memorials

Section 4: American Policing, Black Bodies, and Evangelical Theology

Lecture 12 Addressing Police Brutality based on Romans 13

Lecture 13 Addressing Black Innocence and Justice in Romans 13

Lecture 14 What about Pharaoh-Like Rulers Addressed in Romans 9?

Lecture 15 The Criminalization of Blackness and Evangelical Racialized Interpretations

Lecture 16 Civil Authority and Extortion of the Poor and Innocent

Lecture 17 Theology, Black Bodies and the Prison for Profit Pipeline

Section 5: The Theology of Unapologetic Blackness

Lecture 18 The Theological Foundations for Embracing Blackness as a Christian Ethic Pt. 1

Lecture 19 The Theological Foundations for Embracing Blackness as a Christian Ethic Pt 2

Clergy and aspiring clergy who are looking for a flexible online non-traditional theological education who are not yet prepared to invest in seminary.,Lay-persons who may teach bible classes and desire to be more informed about the connection between black thought and the Bible,Educators who have a desire to teach black thought and become social leaders