Christian Thought in Global Perspective (377-0-20)

Topic

Race, Gender, and Social Change in Global Pentecos

Instructors

Kijan A Bloomfield

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 4-410: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Race, Gender, and Social Change in Global Pentecostalism.

Pentecostalism is one of the fastest growing religions, globally. We know Pentecostal churches by their spirit-filled services with stirring music, singing, and worship. In this course you'll learn about the belief systems, history, and the importance of Pentecostalism in the lives of practitioners in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, African-American and Latinx communities in the United States. We will examine how race, gender, and sexuality play a role in the history and practice of the tradition and how it offers a divine framework for believers to imagine social change.

Learning Objectives

• Core beliefs and practices of Pentecostalism
• The multiple origins and challenges to defining Pentecostalism
• Theological and cultural debates around the intersection of race, gender and sexuality
• Implications of Pentecostalism for economic progress and social change in marginalized communities in the Western world and the Global South
• Role of music and literature to deepen our understanding of Pentecostal ethics and practices

Teaching Method

Class Materials (Required)

• Go Tell It On the Mountain, James Baldwin
• Spirit on the Move: Black Women and Pentecostalism in Africa and the Diaspora, Pritchard and Casselberry

Class Attributes

Ethics & Values Distro Area