The Black church has produced the most vital religious witness in America. Cohorts will deepen reflection & action within their places.
About this event
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Are you interested in leading a place-based cohort but would like to have more information before you sign up? Email us at darin@commongood.cc
Dates/Times: 6:30-8:30 PM ET on 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26
James H Cone has stated there can be no theology of the gospel which does not arise from an oppressed community.
Overview: The Christianity of the Black Church has produced perhaps the most vital and robust religious expression in American culture. The theological expressions developed by the thinkers, artists, and practitioners of the Black church offer many gifts, ranging from sharp prophetic critique, practical social movements, beautiful art and music, and internal contemplation that offers, in the words of Womanist theologian Barbara Holmes, “joy unspeakable.” The long witness to the Good News by Black theologians offers crucial spiritual, moral, and intellectual nourishment to all Christians who encounter it, from both inside and from outside the Black Church. Their witness is as robust as ever. It is also as needed as ever. Participants in this course will engage deeply with thinkers and artists in a way that will deepen their own work in both action and reflection in their local places.
What to expect: Common Good Collective aims to build the belonging needed to restore the common good. This experience will use engaging readings, creative learning environments, intersections with music, art, literature, and other culture, and personal encouragement to deepen spirituality and justice work. Participants will engage through local cohorts; this is a hybrid event with time on zoom and time face-to-face. The six-session experience will cover: 1) What is Black Theology; 2) Black Theology and Black Lives Matter; 3) The Black Christ; 4) Black Theology and Black Church; 5) Womanist Theology; and 6) Black Theology and Eco-Justice.
Our Guide: Dr. Adam Clark, Associate Professor of Theology at Xavier University, is committed to the idea that theological education in the twenty-first century must function as a counter-story, one that equips students to read against the grain of the dominant culture and inspires them to live into the Ignatian dictum of going forth “to set the world on fire.” Dr. Clark received his Ph.D. in theology from Union Theological Seminary, where he was mentored by legendary theology professor Dr. James Cone. He was a fellow in the first Common Good Fellowship class, and is active in movements for justice locally in his home in Cincinnati. He is the co-chair of the Black Theology sub-group of the American Academy of Religion.
Who is this for? This is for anyone who is predisposed to action for the the full liberation of Black people. Maybe you’re seeking understanding of your own faith. You might be looking to deepen your analysis of how faith stories and movements for political liberation merge together and inform one another. We’ll explore these, and more, in a community of inquiry. We won’t stop at inquiry though. We’ll push for thoughtful, passionate action.
Opportunity: This is an invitation for you to join six weekly sessions of popular theological education in September and October. Even better, you can build a local cohort of 6-8 peers to work through the class together. Together, we will work on Common Good Collective’s goals of creating an equitable economy, ending economic isolation, and building more vibrant, sustainable places. “Restoring The Commons” is a call to work with one another to design and re-introduce the ancient practice of building structures for the good of all, starting with a focus on the oppressed and forgotten. Our invitation to you is to join this experience to design, implement, and sustain systemic and spiritual transformation.
Online or In person? We want this experience to be a hybrid experience. Our intention is for you to create (or join) a group that meets locally and then log onto Zoom to interact with both our instructor, Dr. Adam Clark, and other place-based cohorts around the country. Dr. Adam Clark and our CGC staff will provide content, engagement opportunities, and a framework for you to discuss and work on issues with your place-based cohort.
How many people does our local cohort need? We have a minimum of 6. 10-12+ will be a great number.
Cost? We’d like for each cohort site to commit to at least $1500 collectively for the course. We are able to offer a pay-what-you-can option. If you can’t combine your resources for that much, then do what you are able. If you can do more, we’ll be glad for you to cover what others cannot.