This seminar explores embodied beliefs and practices about the human body among pastors, physicians and patients in various contexts. The Christian practice of Honoring the Body – it’s history and theology – is the starting point of analysis of the beliefs and practices that pastors, physicians and patients hold. The course will engage in analysis, discourse, and imagining possible practices of ministry while investigating multiple intersections of marginalization of human bodies as well as theological, bioethical, and biomedical underpinnings about human bodies. The spiritual practice of honoring the body leads to examination of the lives, beliefs, and experiences of those who care for human bodies – doctors, nurses, social workers, hospital chaplains, hospital administrators, dieticians, housekeepers, parish nurses; those who provide pastoral care for human bodies – chaplains and pastors as well as patients who receive the care of pastors and physicians – patients of all ages and illnesses. Contexts of healthcare, biomedical research, community agencies/nonprofits, and congregations provide sites of analysis and exploration of ministry/industry practices that hinder or help human bodies to flourish regardless of their ability and social location.
Note: This is an intensive course. Class will convene on the Garrett Campus on February 28th – March 1st, March 21st- 22nd, April 25 – 26th. We meet Fridays 1:00 – 9:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Students may attend class in-person or synchronously online using a Zoom/Teams link provided by the instructor. Moodle, the Learning Management System for this course, will have information for class preparation.
You are expected to watch all movies and to read all books, selected chapters, and essays prior to meeting class as well as prepare any written assignments before class meets or as designated in the class schedule.
- Teacher: Evelyn Parker