Womanist Religious Studies

Department Mission Statement:

The mission of Womanist Religious Studies at Bennett College for Women is to support the institutional goals of scholarly excellence, leadership preparation, graduate study, and life-long learning through the academic study of religion and spirituality.  These goals will be addressed in biblical studies, ethics, theology & philosophy, religious history and world religions.  Womanist Religious Studies pays particular attention to the contribution and perspectives of African American women, embracing the cultural, symbolic, and ritual diversity through the religious and spiritual lives of women of color.  An integral component of the Program is student acquisition of research skills and abilities in critical analysis informed by textual scholarship, historical context, practical experience/service learning, and respect for religious diversity.  Students will understand the dynamic of religions as they affect women throughout the world.  In the liberationist tradition of feminist and womanist religious scholarship, the womanist religious studies program purposely highlights both vocational exploration and the pursuit of justice.

Institutional Goal:

The institutional goal of the WRS Program is to help fulfill the mission statement of Bennett College for Women which states, “As a United Methodist Church-related institution, Bennett College promotes morally grounded maturation, intellectual honesty, purposeful public service, and responsible civic action.”