ETHNC 4730 - Race, Religion, Spirituality

The intersectionality of race and religion bring us to the realization that religion (the sacred) plays a decisive role in the history and development of communities- of- color. Religion has evolved in a context of racial interactions to become a mechanism of colonization and simultaneously a force of political-cultural-spiritual liberation. To better understand the role of religion in racialized societies, this class addresses the following inquiries: How religion contributes to the racialization of people? What aspects of the sacred inspire oppressed groups to strive for liberation and create new communities of hope? Can we rely on religion to bring about more egalitarian, just, inclusive, and non-discriminatory societies? What are the alternatives that communities-of-color envision to institutionalized religions? Tracking the religious history of our nation and the history of Latin@s, African Americans, and Native Americans we will be able to understand the syncretism, transformations, and significance of their religious/spiritual manifestations that bring them to regain their place in society, and to manifest their sense of purpose, meaning, and transcendence. The deep-seated human yearning for freedom, love, and belonging, drives the religiosity of communities of color in the United States to achieve justice, spiritual decolonization, and liberation.