MD524: Advocacy for
Social Justice (4 units)
DESCRIPTION:
· In civil law, advocacy is the
act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending active espousal of someone’s
cause. Social justice is a reference
often used to talk about the structuring of a just society in order to address
and correct instances of poverty, racism, sexism, or human oppression and
exploitation. Advocacy for social justice is arguably an integral, though often
ignored, part of the Judeo-Christian moral and spiritual mandate to speak up
for or take up the causes of those who suffer, yet have no advocates.
· This course
explores what it means for every Christian—whether working in a ministry
context or in a secular calling—to observe God’s call ‘to act justly, to love mercy, and to
walk humbly with your God.’
· Participants will explore various biblical, theological, and historical
traditions of social justice. We will investigate detailed examples of
injustice and models of advocacy, both in the United States and
internationally. Finally, students will research and uncover specific and
tangible ways in which ordinary Christians can intervene individually and
organizationally, in order to help remedy instances where injustice exists.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end
of this course you will:
· Analyze and compare various Christian traditions of social justice,
including those informed by Anabaptist, Catholic, Liberationist, and Reformed
thought.
· Compare the extent to which those models reflect a holistic approach to
the canon of the Old and New Testaments.
· Identify some of the cross-cultural barriers that must be addressed to
affect particular areas of social justice.
· Become familiar with a variety of organizations that deal with various
specific areas of social justice.
· Begin to construct a personal theology and spirituality of social
justice.
COURSE FORMAT:
The class
will meet daily for a one-week intensive for 7 hours per day. Each session
students will learn via lecture,
discussion of reading materials, and interaction with social agency
representatives or experts. Because the class is a one-week intensive, each
student must attend all of every class session and must participate through
discussion, questions, and interaction.
REQUIRED READING: Read 1200 pages from
the required reading and the bibliography.
Burghardt,
Walter, 2004, Justice: A Global
Adventure, Maryknoll: Orbis Books, New York.
Mouw, Richard, Political Evangelism, 1973,
Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Sider, R., Olsen, P., Rolland-Unruh, H., 2002, Churches That Make a Difference: Reaching Your Community with Good News
and Good Works, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Haugen, Gary A., 1999, Good News About
Injustice, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois.
RECOMMENDED READING: (some of these will
be on reserve shelves):
Fellmeth,
Robert C., 2002, Child Rights &
Remedies, Clarity Press Inc., Atlanta, Georgia.
Hilfiker,
Dr. David, 2003, Urban Injustice: How
Ghettos Happen, Seven Stories Press.
Nouwen,
Henri, 1998, The Road to Peace: Writings
on Peace and Justice, Maryknoll: Orbis Books, New York.
Myers,
Bryant, 1999, Walking With the Poor:
Principles and Practices of Transformational Development, Maryknoll: Orbis
Books, New York.
Sider, Ron,
1997, For They Shall Be Fed: Scripture
Readings and Prayers for a Just World, W Publishing Group.
Sider,
Ronald, 1999, Just Generosity: A New
Vision for Overcoming Poverty in America, Baker Books, Grand Rapids,
Michigan.
Smedes,
Lewis, 1983, Mere Morality: What God
Expects of Ordinary People, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Walls,
James, 2000, Faith Works: Lessons from
the Life of an Activist Preacher, Page Mill Press.
ASSIGNMENTS:
· Special reserve shelf reading in addition to required texts.
· Six, 500 word (two-page) critical book reviews from required texts and
reserve shelf reading.
· Submit a 3750 word (15-page) report or project detailing a clear,
understandable biblical and theological basis, as well as an active plan,
persuading and helping laity to become actively involved in a ministry of
social justice.
For ThM Students:
· Read an additional 300 pages and do two additional book reviews (one on a
theology of social justice, the other on practical implementations of social
justice).
PREREQUISITES: None
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAM: None.