Session 3: Theology and Biblical Resources

Presenter:

Dr. Harold Dean Trulear

Exploring Systemic Change through Scripture: Reflecting on Dr. Trulear's discussion about systemic change and biblical narratives, how can we interpret and apply stories like David and Bathsheba, or the parables Jesus taught, to understand and address current systemic injustices in our society?
Integrating Faith into Social Justice: Considering Dr. Trulear’s emphasis on the role of faith leaders in social justice, how can churches and religious communities bridge the gap between personal faith and collective action to address issues like racialized policing and mass incarceration?

Douglas, Kelly Brown. Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2015.
Cudjoe-Wilkes, Gabby, and Andrew J. Wilkes. Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections for the Work of Liberation. Nashville: Upper Room Books, 2022.
Goode, W. Wilson, Charles E. Lewis, and Harold Dean Trulear. Ministry with Prisoners & Families: The Way Forward. 1st ed. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2011.
Thurman, Howard. Jesus and the Disinherited. Boston, Mass: Beacon Press, 1996.
Trulear, Harold Dean. Healing Communities USA Training Guide: Balancing Justice With Mercy. Edited by Denise Strothers. Kindle., 2021.
Healing Communities USA - https://www.healingcommunitiesusa.com/
Balancing Justice with Mercy: An Interfaith Guide for Creating Healing Communities
https://assets.aecf.org/m/resourcedoc/aecf-BalancingJusticewithMercy-2008.pdf

Call to Action: Take a moment to write a short 1-2 page essay that allows you to identify and describe some theological bias(es) that need to be unlearned as you proceed on this journey. What emotions are you feeling? Feel free to share in the forum.
To prepare for the next session, a good resource to consider reading is Gilliard, Dominique DuBois. Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice That Restores. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2018.