Outcasts in the Deserts of Hopelessness

It was not until Delores Williams’ Sisters in the Wilderness that Black women’s experiences and modes of survival were given theological voice as a companion and/or corrective to the dominant mode of liberation found in Black Theology. This womanist response helped provide a thicker description of Black religious thought and modes of being—female and male. I explore what this expanded discourse has been used in womanist social ethics and ongoing battle that Black folk wage for our humanity

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes Engages with the Question: What is the “Problem of Evil”?

What is the “Problem of Evil”? As an Ethicist, Emily Townes discusses the existence of evil in the world and the challenge this presents to the existence of an all-good God. For Townes, God is not the creator of evil, but humans are. In the sight of evil we need not question the existence of God, but the actions of humans, and take responsibility for the free will God has given us

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes Engages with the Question: How Should a Student Approach the Study of Religion?

How should a student approach the study of religion? Reverend Emily Townes explains that it is most important to bring to the study of religion an open mind that is able to respect and understand religions other than one’s own. The student of religion should be critical of the information, but develop a tolerant attitude

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes Engages with the Question: Can You Prove the Existence of God?

Can you prove the existence of God? Rev. Dr. Emily Townes explains her own faith in a God that she cannot prove exists. The experiences of her life and her deepest feelings have caused her to have such a great faith in God that even though she is unable to prove His existence, she has complete confidence in Him

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes Engages with the Question: Why Should We Study Religion?

Why should we study religion? Scholar Emilie Townes discusses why she studies religion, particularly the endless questioning that it seems to encourage. Ethical issues and human rights questions are particularly important

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes Engages with the Question: What Led You to Your Present Career Path?

What led you to your present career path? Womanist Theologian, Emilie Townes introduces herself as a product of an environment that promotes a rigorous educational structure: the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, a supportive family and brilliant mentors

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes Engages with the Question: How Can We Solve the “Problem of Evil”?

How can we solve the “Problem of evil”? Scholar Emily Townes further explains her view on the balance of good and evil in a world created by a benevolent God. By referencing scriptures, Townes supports her theory and also remarks on how in the end, goodness will triumph over evil

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes Engages with the Question: Would We Be Religious if We Were Never Going to Die?

Would we be religious if we were never going to die? Professor Townes asserts that religion is much more than a discussion on life and death. It is also a concern with those things about which we are passionate. For her, immortality would not prevent us from being religious

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes Engages with the Question: Do Churches Tend to Treat Women Differently from Men?

Do churches tend to treat women differently from men? Womanist scholar Emilie Townes discusses the complex issue of being a woman in a Christian community and the real discrimination that exists in most churches. As a woman, she is commonly asked “Why stay?” Her response is that she is called to be one of the women who stays and pushes for acceptance

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes Engages with the Question: How Do You Respond to Students Who Say “All Religions Are the Same”?

How do you respond to students who say “All religions are the same”? Professor Townes explains how all religions are not essentially the same, and that each religion uses different approaches, symbols and statements of belief that identify the different experiences of their adherents. Because the emotional level of religion is so evident, we cannot assert that all religions are the same because they often invoke different emotions from believers