This is a very open-ended title for this blog. I used this title deliberately because so many times we make assumptions instead of seeking answers for ourselves. Perhaps, many of us don't ask or feel that we cannot ask questions about cultural, social or religious teachings. Traditional teachings provide information and indoctrination that we follow without analyzing or questioning it. Therefore, when we move outside of our silos and meet people of different races, cultures, religions and sexual orientations, we have the opportunity to participate in a learning environment that can offer transformative experiences. I taught two courses at New York Theological Seminary this spring that challenged the students to question their embedded theologies that they received from their cultures, religious teachings, and practices. The courses were: "When We Were Goddesses: From Polytheism to Monotheism and Its Impact on Women”, and "Women In The Second Testament; Mentors and Leaders". The students were from different seminaries, races, religions, sexual orientations, and genders. As they return to their communities of faith, these students have some hard questions to ask themselves and their leaders. Hopefully, these questions will help to reconcile what they experienced in the classes and what continues to be taught and/or practiced in their communities of faith.
New York Theological Seminary is open to creative and innovative ways of learning and living in the urban setting out of which it was born, one hundred and nineteen years ago. Yes, born because it is an organic institution that seeks to grow and serve the rich diversity in metropolitan New York and the world. The world is our campus and we have the advantage of creating learning laboratories outside of the United States.
Even though I retired from the Seminary in 2016, I serve as an adjunct instructor teaching courses in Women Studies and also serve as the Director of The Eleanor Moody-Shepherd Resource Center for Women of Faith. This is not a shift from the title of this blog, but hopefully helps the reader to understand the way New York Theological Seminary reaches out and connects with people around the world. I have traveled to Africa and developed relationships with women and community organizations that provide empowerment for women and children. During the month of August, seven women will be traveling with me to Ghana (West Africa) for the first time. These women are asking hard questions about Africa and their ancestry. This is a special year. According to American history, the first Africans were brought to this country and enslaved in 1619. It marks the 400th year of free labor and racism for people of African descent in the United States. The President of Ghana was the first African Head of State to issue an invitation to African descendants and declare it the 400 Year of Return. We look forward to meeting with educators, religious leaders, traditional leaders, community advocates, local people in the villages and visiting historical sites. Oh, I feel that I am channeling Harriet Tubman and leading women to find answers to those hard questions that have been plaguing them as they search for their roots. Follow us on our journey! Check out our Facebook page and subscribe to our email list as we travel to be updated when we post.
Here are the 6 women I will be guiding.
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