Union Theological Seminary’s Religion and the Black Experience concentration explores the religious experience, ideas and practices of the African diaspora in multinational, multifaith and gendered contexts.
Our dynamic curriculum builds upon the groundbreaking work of scholars like James Cone, to center Black theology, the Black social gospel, liberation and womanist theology in the classroom. The program is also designed for flexibility, which will allow students to also focus in a particular theological field, including practical theology, interreligious engagement, religion and society, and social ethics.
This program includes:
- Coursework in African or African diasporic religion outside the Christian tradition, such as The Bible and West African Religions, African Religions in the Diaspora, and Gandhi and King
- Coursework in Black Christian thought and practice, such as The Black Social Gospel, The Prophetic Black Church in the 20th Century, and Proclamation and Black Experiences
- Coursework at the intersection of race, gender and sexuality, such as Women and the Black Freedom Movement and Womanist Theology and Narrative
- The opportunity to attend the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference each spring
- Study and train in Harlem, New York an unparalleled training ground for a life dedicated to social justice.
MEET THE CO-DIRECTORS
The Rev. Timothy Levi Adkins-Jones, the Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, has a rich history. As a son of the church, he found faith in Christ under the guidance of his grandfather, Rev. Leroy Jones, at Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. Before joining Bethany, Rev. Adkins-Jones led congregations in Massachusetts and Connecticut, leaving a legacy of community activism and Christian service. He actively contributes to the New Jersey Black Multi-Faith Alliance and the Clergy Caucus for Faith in New Jersey, advocating for social and economic change. His academic achievements include a PhD in Practical Theology from Boston University, an MDiv from the Boston University School of Theology, and a BA in Psychology from Amherst College. A sought-after speaker, he taught homiletics and polity at Yale Divinity School and remains connected to his alma mater, Amherst College. Rev. Adkins-Jones is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and cherishes his role as a husband and father.
The Rev. Dr. Andrea C. White is a distinguished Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Union Theological Seminary, known for her expertise in womanist theology, critical theory, and philosophy of religion. She has made significant contributions as the Executive Director of the Society for the Study of Black Religion and has held leadership roles within the American Academy of Religion. Dr. White’s scholarly work includes the forthcoming The Scandal of Flesh, alongside other notable publications. Her extensive involvement with editorial boards and advisory committees spans across global and national platforms, highlighting her commitment to theological education and social justice. An ordained American Baptist minister with a rich background in pastoral care, Dr. White brings a unique blend of practical ministry experience and academic excellence to her teaching, underpinned by her education from The University of Chicago Divinity School, Yale Divinity School, and Oberlin College. Her accolades include the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award from Emory University, reflecting her profound impact on communities and theological scholarship.