Gender in Religious Traditions

A graduate course taught by Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan:

Today’s spiritual leaders will confront urgent questions about gender and sexuality. These affect our experience of our own traditions as well as our perception of other traditions. In this introductory course, we will focus on three issues within Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Indigenous communities. (1) Sacred stories about the first human beings and their implication for gender norms. (2) Traditions, theologies, and teachings used to support or condemn full LGBTQ2+ participation in religious life. (3) Diversity of women’s roles in spiritual community. As we explore the issues using theological language, we will be mindful of each tradition’s unique history, view of God, and reliance on religious law. Students will also consider their own leadership roles in addressing these issues within their communities of faith and in inter-religious dialogue.

The course begins on January 19, and meets on most Thursday evenings through March 30. The last day to join the class is January 26. To register for credit or to audit, contact the Vancouver School of Theology.