RELI 0234
Christianity and Empire
Christianity, Colonialism, and Empire WT
From its inception Christianity has had a strange relationship with power and empire. In this course we will explore this relationship within the context of European forays into the Americas and Africa, from the voyages of Columbus to the abolition of slavery in the mid-nineteenth century. Reading works by Columbus, Las Casas, De Acosta, Vitoria, Locke, Blake, and Equiano, among others, we will try to come to terms with the idea and reality of Christianity as a religion of empire and colonization. We will also consider how some of the themes that emerged out of this period influenced formulations of international law. 3 hrs. lect.
From its inception Christianity has had a strange relationship with power and empire. In this course we will explore this relationship within the context of European forays into the Americas and Africa, from the voyages of Columbus to the abolition of slavery in the mid-nineteenth century. Reading works by Columbus, Las Casas, De Acosta, Vitoria, Locke, Blake, and Equiano, among others, we will try to come to terms with the idea and reality of Christianity as a religion of empire and colonization. We will also consider how some of the themes that emerged out of this period influenced formulations of international law. 3 hrs. lect.