Theological Seminaries Can Be Communities of Learning for Social Justice

Theological seminaries are communities of learning in which there is engagement by students with the struggles for social justice in light of the deep ethical commitments of historic faith traditions. Theological seminaries draw upon living traditions of religious communities that are rooted in experiences of love-compassion-justice and the received wisdom of repentance-forgiveness-reconciliation, all of which inform the imperative for seeking social justice.

The role of theological seminaries educating clergy and laity in working for social justice is documented and described in the new book, Journeys into Justice, through case histories of religious collaboratives focusing on social justice issues. The unique collaboration of Atlanta State University and Columbia Theological Seminaries has created a model for educating people of faith for responsible civic leadership. A dual degree program from the state university and one of the theological seminaries enables the education of learners in both public policy and civic leadership.

Another case history in the book details the collaborative work of BorderLinks in a program of bi-national education for people of religious faith. Students from theological seminaries, and other groups, are immersed in direct experiential engagement with people of the borderlands in their struggles for justice. For all participants, and especially for students from theological seminaries, the meaning of social justice and new motivation to work for justice is the outcome of the BorderLinks program.

These and other case histories in the book indicate the participation of students and faculty of theological seminaries in the work of religious collaboratives seeking social justice. The use of contextual education for preparing people of faith to be responsible civic leaders is gaining widespread acceptance in theological seminaries.

 

Want to learn more about theological seminaries and the tradition of social justice? Get your copy of Journeys into Justice today!