This course introduces Biblical, theological, historical, cultural, and philosophical understandings of the way of life of African American Christians/Protestant perspective and peroples classified as "on the margins." The course examines the identities of the Christian commnities, their approaches to ethical reflection, and various questions related to topics that impact their lives such as racism, human life, warfare, colonialsim, economics, sexuality, society, politics, and professional integrity.
Using the Scriptures as foundational to Protestant ethics, this course privileges Christian Social Ethics voices "from the margins," beginning with those who were "powerless voices" who spoke up in prophetic protest calling ancient Israel to obedience to a God who is altogether just. The students will explore what it means to be the church of Jesus Christ in the face of contemporary societies and church structures and policies that are oppressive and further marginalize the poor and discounted.