This class presents an introduction to African American (Black) Church Studies. We will explore Black Church history, Black perspectives in biblical studies and hermeneutics, Black and Womanist theologies, distinctive Black music and worship, unique Black preaching traditions and ecclesiologies, and engage in the continuing Black Church search for relevance and Christian mission in the twenty-first century. “Black Church”, the term used in this course, will be defined and discussed as both institution and tradition, as well as culturally and theologically. Historically, the scarlet thread of the Black Church has served as the primary vehicle of Black resistance to slavery, organizing for abolition and social justice, and ultimately projecting a vision of universal human rights. Through class readings, class dialogues, and written assignments, participants will be challenged to appreciate and appropriate the Black Church’s past, present, and future.

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