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Course Title: Embracing Justice, Embodying Equity: The Church's Role in Health and Social Justice
Course Description: This immersive 10-day course integrates theological reflection, academic inquiry, and community engagement to explore the intersections of faith, social justice, health equity, and the African Diaspora experience. Through mindful practices, cultural enrichment, and real-world ministerial involvement, students will cultivate a sense of responsibility to dismantle injustice and promote equitable well-being within and beyond the church walls We will delve into the complex history of the church's role in both perpetuating and combating injustice, using the Slave Bible as a potent example Students will also embark on a journey of personal discovery, exploring their own ancestors' struggles and triumphs in the pursuit of justice and equity.
Course Objectives:
● Understand the foundational concepts of theology and social justice
● Analyze the social determinants of health and their impact on communities of color
● Explore the history and heritage of the African Diaspora
● Identify the ways systemic racism and socioeconomic status contribute to health inequities
● Examine the role of education, environmental justice, and access to healthcare in shaping community well-being
● Develop strategies for organizing and effecting community change
● Integrate mindful practices into daily life as a means of promoting personal and collective well-being
● Explore the church's historical and contemporary role in promoting justice and equity
● Identify ways the church can address social determinants of health and support marginalized communities
● Analyze how the Slave Bible represents the complex and often contradictory role of scripture in the pursuit of justice and freedom
● Discover their own ancestors' journeys in the struggle for justice and equity
● Reflect on how their ancestors' experiences shape their current role in promoting social justice
Course Outline:
Day 1: Introduction to Theology and Social Justice
● Overview of the course
● Theological reflections on justice and compassion
● Group discussion: Defining social justice
● Exploration: The church's role in social justice movements
Day 2: Understanding Social Determinants of Health
● Activity: Mapping community resources and challenges
● Mindful practice: Guided meditation on well-being
● Case study: How has the church addressed social determinants of health?
Day 3: The African Diaspora - History and Heritage
● Guest lecture: African Diaspora history and culture
● Cultural enrichment: Traditional music, art, and cuisine
● Journaling: Reflecting on the richness of the Diaspora
● Exploration: The African Diaspora's influence on Christian worship and theology
Day 4: Systemic Racism and Health Inequity
● Case studies: Racial disparities in health outcomes
● Group discussion: Addressing racism in healthcare settings
● Theological reflection: Racism as a sin against human dignity
Day 5: Poverty and Socioeconomic Status
● Community immersion: Visit to local food bank or shelter
● Reflection: The impact of poverty on well-being
● Exploration: The church's response to poverty and socioeconomic inequality
● Biblical exploration: The Slave Bible as a tool of control and oppression
Online Session 1: Genograms and Genealogy
● Lecture: Introduction to genograms and genealogy
● Activity: Creating a genogram
● Reflection: Exploring ancestors' journeys towards justice
● Group discussion: How ancestors' experiences shape our current roles in promoting social justice
Day 6: Education as a Determinant of Health
● Case study: Faith-based initiatives in education
● Reflection: The role of education in your own life and ministry
Day 7: Environmental Justice
● Community tour: Local environmental justice sites
● Reflection: Advocating for a healthy environment in your community
Day 8: Access to Healthcare
● Role-play: Navigating the healthcare system
● Reflection: Barriers to accessing quality care in your community
● Exploration: The church's role in healthcare access and advocacy
Day 9: Food Security and Nutrition
● Community service: Workday at a community garden
● Mindful practice: Gratitude meditation before meals
● Case study: Faith-based initiatives in food security
● Reflection: Addressing food insecurity in your community
Online Session 2: Addressing Justice in the Church and Community
● Lecture: Strategies for addressing social determinants of health in the church and community
● Panel discussion: Church and community leaders addressing social justice
● Group discussion: Organizing for community change
● Biblical reflection: Scripture as a source of liberation and empowerment
● Personal reflection: Claiming your role in the ongoing struggle for justice and equity
Day 10: Organizing for Community Change
● Project presentations: Student-led initiatives
● Closing: Committing to a lifetime of justice and equity
● Exploration: The church as a catalyst for community change
Assessment:
● Participation and engagement (20%)
● Reflective journaling (20%)
● Group discussion facilitation (10%)
● Project: Community change initiative (30%)
● Final reflection paper (20%)
Required Reading:
● Selections from the Slave Bible
● Additional texts on the intersection of faith and social justice
Discussion Questions:
1. How do your faith and values inform your understanding of social justice?
2 In what ways do social determinants influence health outcomes in your community?
3 How has the history and heritage of the African Diaspora shaped your identity?
4. What are some ways systemic racism manifests in healthcare and beyond?
5 How can you leverage your education to promote health equity?
6 What is the church's responsibility in addressing social determinants of health?
7. How has the church both contributed to and combated social injustices throughout history?
8. What are some ways the church can support marginalized communities?
9 How can you integrate your faith with your pursuit of justice and equity?
10.What does a just and equitable society look like from your theological perspective?
11 How have scriptures been used both to justify and resist oppression?
12.What is the ongoing relevance of the Slave Bible in our contemporary pursuit of justice?
13.What can you learn from your ancestors' struggles and triumphs in the pursuit of justice?
14 How do your ancestors' experiences shape your current role in promoting social justice?
Project:
Design a community-based initiative addressing one of the social determinants of health discussed during the course. Consider how the church can be a partner in this initiative. Reflect on how scriptures can be used to both justify and challenge the status quo Explore how your ancestors' journeys inform your commitment to this work Present your project to the class on the final day.
Welcome to Embracing Justice, Embodying Equity!
This booklet is your guide throughout our 10-day journey. Use it to reflect on your learnings, insights, and feelings Don't be afraid to add your own artwork, poetry, or quotes that inspire you.
Daily Reflections:
● What was the most impactful moment of the day?
● How did today's content challenge or affirm your existing beliefs?
● In what ways can you apply what you learned today to your life and ministry?
● How did today's content intersect with your faith and understanding of the church's role?
● How did today's exploration of scriptures shape your understanding of justice and oppression?
Mindful Moments:
● Describe the mindful practices we engaged in today How did they make you feel?
● How can you incorporate similar practices into your daily routine?
● What are some mindful ways to respond to stress and injustice?
● How can mindful practices nourish your spiritual well-being?
Community Connections:
● Who are some community members you met today? What did you learn from them?
● How can you build on these connections in the future?
● What are some ways to honor and amplify the voices of the community?
● How can the church foster deeper connections with the wider community?
Action Steps:
● What is one action you can take this week to promote social justice?
● How will you hold yourself accountable to this action?
● What support systems do you need to sustain your efforts?
● How can the church support you in your actions towards justice?
Prayers and Blessings:
● Write a prayer for justice and equity in your community.
● Who are some individuals or groups you want to bless with well-being?
● How can you be a blessing to others in your pursuit of justice?
● What are some prayers or scriptures that sustain you in this work?
Additional Resources:
● List any additional books, articles, or documentaries you want to explore.
● Note any organizations or initiatives you want to get involved with
● What are some next steps in your personal and educational journey?
● What are some faith-based resources or networks that can support your work?
Gratitude:
● What are three things you are grateful for today?
● How does gratitude intersect with your pursuit of justice?
● What are some ways to express gratitude to others?
● How can gratitude nourish your resilience in the face of injustice?
Scripture and Justice:
● Reflect on the ways scriptures have been used to both justify and resist oppression
● How does the Slave Bible represent this complex history?
● What scriptures inspire and sustain you in your pursuit of justice?
● How can you use scriptures to challenge injustice and promote equity?
Ancestors and Legacy:
● Who are some ancestors you can name who fought for justice and equity?
● What are some stories of your ancestors' struggles and triumphs that have been passed down through your family?
● How do your ancestors' experiences shape your current role in promoting social justice?
● What is one way you can honor your ancestors' legacy in your own pursuit of justice?
Claiming Your Role:
● What is one social justice issue that deeply resonates with you?
● What are some ways you can leverage your skills, passions, and position to address this issue?
● How can you integrate your faith with your actions towards justice?
● What support systems do you need to sustain you in this work?
Remember, this is your journey Be patient, kind, and compassionate with yourself Celebrate your growth and don't be afraid to ask for help. You are not alone in this work. The church, in all its forms, is with you Scripture, when interpreted through the lens of justice and love, can be a powerful tool in your journey Your ancestors, with their struggles and triumphs, walk with you every step of the way.