This course is an introduction to the rich and diverse history of Guatemala, land of eternal spring. During the fall and spring semesters, we will engage in conversations about the history, politics, religions and people groups of Guatemala. We will engage in theological reflection, considering the religious history of Guatemala, including Mayan spirituality; 500 years of Christianity, begun by the Spanish; Latin American theologies (Liberation theology); Protestant and Pentecostal movements and most recently fundamental and Neo-Pentecostalism. All four sessions will serve as preparation for travel to Guatemala May 9 – 23, 2022. Throughout the course, we will be reflecting on our experiences of God, as well as, how political and social movements influence our church history in the USA, and the outcomes we are experiencing today.
While in Guatemala, we will spend the first few days in Guatemala City at Semilla/Casas, a Latin American Anabaptist Seminary, hearing lectures about the social, economic, political, and religious history of Guatemala. We will have two major trips: 1) San Pedro Carcha, Alta Verapaz among the Q’eqchi’ of Mayan descent. We will learn about their spirituality, culture and history and experience the work of the Q’eqchi’ Mennonite Church. 2) Santiago and San Juan, Atitlan are two small towns along a beautiful lake with 3 volcanos. We will visit project among the Tzutujil of Mayan descent. There we will hear the history of communities who suffered tremendous suffering and loss during the 30-year war and recent flood and how they worked together to seek peace and restore their communities. We will return to Semilla in Guatemala City to experience more of the socio-economic and political influences on present day Guatemala such as climate change and immigration.
Following the May trip, students will complete a final paper due August 2022, participate in a debriefing session at the beginning of term 1, and work together to develop a collective presentation to the seminary community All components of the seminar must be completed to meet the cross-cultural requirement.
While in Guatemala, we will spend the first few days in Guatemala City at Semilla/Casas, a Latin American Anabaptist Seminary, hearing lectures about the social, economic, political, and religious history of Guatemala. We will have two major trips: 1) San Pedro Carcha, Alta Verapaz among the Q’eqchi’ of Mayan descent. We will learn about their spirituality, culture and history and experience the work of the Q’eqchi’ Mennonite Church. 2) Santiago and San Juan, Atitlan are two small towns along a beautiful lake with 3 volcanos. We will visit project among the Tzutujil of Mayan descent. There we will hear the history of communities who suffered tremendous suffering and loss during the 30-year war and recent flood and how they worked together to seek peace and restore their communities. We will return to Semilla in Guatemala City to experience more of the socio-economic and political influences on present day Guatemala such as climate change and immigration.
Following the May trip, students will complete a final paper due August 2022, participate in a debriefing session at the beginning of term 1, and work together to develop a collective presentation to the seminary community All components of the seminar must be completed to meet the cross-cultural requirement.
- Teacher: Linda Witmer