PS2490 ABUSIVE RELIGION & ITS REMEDY

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Gary Pence

Jesus said, "I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly." Yet the beliefs of Christians can abuse children and kill the human spirit. In this course we will critically examine Christian notions about such issues as human nature, sin, authority, discipline, self-denial, nudity, and sexuality and the Biblical texts cited in support of those notions. Students will be invited to identify and explore the anxiety, pain, and injury they have experienced because of Christian doctrines and beliefs taught in their churches and families of origin. They will construct ways to describe, preach, and teach a Christian faith that does not kill or maim, a faith that offers health and wholeness.

Goals

Self

1. Deeper knowledge and acceptance of self.
2. Increased confidence in listening and responding to self and others.
3. Appropriation of more salugenic faith perspectives.
4. Increased integration of your faith with your personal and relational life.

Knowledge

1. Repertory of biblical and liturgical texts, theological loci, and common beliefs and practices that may do harm.
2. Effects of harmful religious beliefs and practices on child development and adult relationships.
3. Basic psychological principles of healthy child-rearing and positive human relationships and theological principles that support them.
4. Awareness of your assumptions and commitments and how these are likely to impact your care giving and care receiving.

Skills

1. Gain increased alertness to the implications for health and wholeness of biblical and theological precepts.
2. Gain capacity either to reframe abusive or damaging precepts in salugenic terms or to eliminate them from your practicing theology.
3. Gain capacity to help parishioners and others wounded by religious beliefs and experiences.
4. Take care of yourself and thrive whatever your life situation.

Textbooks

• Aarons, Leroy. (1995). Prayers for Bobby: A mother's coming to terms with the suicide of her gay son. HarperSanFrancisco.
• Capps, Donald. (1995). The child's song: Religious abuse of children. Fortress.
• Greven, Philip. (1990). Spare the child: The religious roots of punishment and the psychological impact of physical abuse. Vintage.
• Miller, Alice. (1990). For your own good: Hidden cruelty in child-rearing and the roots of violence. Farrar, Straus, Giroux.
• Schwartz, Regina M. (1997). The curse of Cain: The violent legacy of monotheism. U. Chicago.
  

Assignments