Faith, Hope, and Resistance in Catholic Theology and Spirituality

HDS 2307 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

In the United States and around the globe, many scholars and activists committed to the cause of social justice are becoming increasingly frustrated with the language of democracy and human rights, and its alleged defense of the dignity of all people. Similarly, they are becoming increasingly impatient with churches and other forms of organized religion. Their frustrations are the consequence of the many failures—religious, moral, and legal—to embody the ideals behind the defense of the dignity of all people. And yet, faith, hope and resistance seem to always emerge in moments of great crisis. In this class we will study the complex relationship between faith, hope, and resistance, and hopelessness and pessimism. We will do so by examining different responses to this relationship coming from Catholic theology and spirituality in the 20th and 21st centuries in Latin America and the United States. Readings include the work of Miguel de la Torre, Gustavo Gutiérrez, Ignacio Ellacuría, Ada María Isasi Díaz, Nancy Pineda Madrid, Shawn Copeland, Tony Alonso, among others.

This seminar offers students an opportunity to write a research paper. No prerequisites.