REL 80.10 Messengers of God: Prophetism in Historical and Comparative Perspective
Using Western concepts of “prophets” and “messengers of God”, we will examine this religious role cross-culturally, using examples from ancient, Hebrew, Muslim, African, Native American, and Chinese cultures, including both male and female prophetic leaders. Using comparative and historical approaches, we will interrogate the meanings of the terms, as well as study the historical conditions that facilitate their emergence, success, and/or failures. We will examine the nature of prophetic experience, teaching strategies, and organizational roles in various religious movements. We will also use a variety of sources ranging from sacred scriptures, to biographies and histories, to literary representations.