Welcome!

Welcome to "Introduction to Postcolonial Preaching," a course designed to explore the Bible as a decolonizing text that challenges the oppressive narratives of colonial regimes and envisions a world grounded in human dignity, justice, and peace. Throughout this course, we will engage with basic methods of biblical interpretation and delve into the elements of postcolonial interpretation. The primary focus will be on how these interpretations can inform and enrich the practice of preaching within the church.

Our discussions will center on selected biblical texts and readings from Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas. These readings will guide us in examining how biblical passages confront imperial ideologies and empower communities to live faithfully amidst these realities. Through a combination of textual analysis, reflective journaling, and class discussions, you will develop a deeper understanding of how to approach preaching from a postcolonial perspective.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the tools to interpret and preach the Bible in ways that resonate with the themes of liberation, justice, and resistance to empire, fostering a transformative impact on your faith community.

Introduction to Postcolonial Preaching

L. Daniel Hawk

Syllabus

Mondays, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

August 19 through October 7, 2024

Description

This course approaches the Bible as a decolonizing text that presents a vision of human dignity, justice, and peace, and that exposes and opposes the false truths of colonial regimes. It introduces students to basic methods of biblical interpretation and to elements of postcolonial interpretation, with the assumption that a thoughtful and faithful interpretation of the text forms the foundation for the passage’s extension into the life of the church through preaching.

Course Texts

The Holy Bible. Any modern translation.

Kat Armas. Abuelita Faith. Brazos Press, 2021.

Bring a Bible, in print or digital form, to all online sessions. A large part of our work will center on discussions of biblical texts.

Assignments

1.    Read the designated chapter(s) in Armas and the assigned biblical texts and be prepared to talk about them in class.

2.    Course Journal.

Writing down your thoughts before and after a class is one of the best ways of making what you’ve learned part of you. This exercise gives you an opportunity to do that! To prepare for class every week, you’re invited to write your thoughts about the week’s readings in a journal. Your reflections may follow the examples below or respond to questions you’ve raised.

• On Abuelita Faith. What insights did you receive? What do you want to think more about – and to talk about with others? Did you have points of disagreement? etc.
• On biblical books and passages. How do these passages look when viewed through the lens of Empire? How is Empire reflected in this book or passage? How does the message resist Empire and equip God’s people to live in its shadow?
•  Is there a biblical passage that speaks to you? Jot down some preaching points!

Journal entries will be most useful to you in the future, and in the courses to come, if you write your reflections in 2-5 sentences.

Course Schedule