African Empires of Biblical Antiquity

Throughout history, whether through deliberate action, ignorance or dismissive attitudes, a de-Africanized view of the Bible has been normalized. This course will challenge narratives that seek to diminish the black and African presence in the bible, and will show that it is in an Afro-Asiatic context that the events and stories of the bible occur. The great African empires of the bible will become more visible and prominent through these lectures. Part of the liberation and justice work on behalf of those classified as black is affirming the historical contributions to human history and religion by black or African civilizations which has been historically whitewashed. This course will analyze the Gen. 10, “Table of Nations,” and will correct many common misnomers and inaccuracies about the descendants of Noah. It will also show the rise of the great African empires and their connection to the larger biblical narrative and tradition. The course will provide an Afrocentric view of what is meant by the term, “biblical lands,” as one analyzes contemporary biblical maps. One of the problematic aspects of the way that the biblical story is perceived is the doctrine of divine election, and this course will show a better way of viewing Israel’s history. It will answer questions such as: Where did the populations of the bible originate? Where did Noah’s flood occur? and What African empires influenced Jewish history? You will be challenged with other perspectives as you study.