Christianity and Social Justice

Examination of the historical and ecumenical theological origins and contemporary expressions of Christian engagement with social justice. Topics addressed will include: the 18th -19th century economic, political, philosophical, and religious background in Europe and North America; the Social Gospel and Christian Socialism in Protestantism and papal social teachings in Roman Catholicism; black and feminist theologies and global liberation theologies; and justice-related issues such as wealth and poverty, war and peace, race, gender, sexual orientation, and ecology. Sources examined will include the work of theologians and reports by denominational and ecumenical bodies. Teaching methods will include lectures, class discussion, readings, papers, and in-class presentations; evaluation will be based on class attendance, participation, and papers (for all students); and in-class presentations (for AD students). Pre-requisites: at least one course in Bible, theology and the history of Christianity. Class attendance and participation; one 4-5 page reflection paper; one 10-12 page topic paper; and one 15-18 page research paper (for all students); and in-class presentations (for AD students)