Teaching African American Religions

The variety and complexity of its traditions make African American religion one of the most difficult topics in religious studies to teach undergraduates. Teaching African American Religions supplies functional and innovative ways to teach African American religious traditions in a range of settings. Addressing both content and method, the authors suggest that, to engage students effectively, instructors must transgress accepted boundaries within the study of religion and challenge conventional teaching practices. The first section explores specific classroom environments and how students and teachers can approach this often unfamiliar subject matter. The second section examines theoretical and methodological questions: What is a religious canon? How does it work to include or exclude African American perspectives? What history needs to be told in the brief time that can be allotted to it? How can the instructor honor crucial African and African American perspectives? The essays in the final section focus on contexts that are either particularly resourceful or challenging for teaching African American religions, including religious healing in the African diaspora, resisting racism, teaching white students, and portrayals of African American religion in the movies. Teaching African American Religions is an invaluable source for teachers and students navigating the diverse and intricate landscape of African American religion.