Animals, Nation-State & God

Catalog description

Taught by PSR. What, if anything, sets human beings apart from other animals? How does this question shape Christian theological ideas in the context of the modern nation-state? What happens to faith and politics when human distinctiveness diminishes? This course considers the significance of theological anthropology (what it means to be human) in relation to other doctrinal topics, ecological urgencies, and the totalizing effects of the modern nation-state. These intersections can, in turn, complicate and enrich standard convictions about human sexuality, gender, and race. Drawing on a variety of tools and methods, we will seek to construct collaboratively a theological approach to "animality" to advance the full thriving and flourishing of God's whole creation. This seminar for advanced master's level and doctoral students will entail some lecture, group discussion/presentations, and options for a research project suitable for a variety of vocational paths.