Pierson, “Black Arts and Black Magic: Yankee Accommodations to African Religion” Timothy McMillan, “Black Magic: Witchcraft, Race, and Resistance in Colonial New England” Linda Jenicson, “In Whose Image? Misogynist Trends in the Construction of Goddess and Woman” Sidney Harring, “Red Lilac of the Cayugas”Ĭynthia Eller, “Affinities and Appropriations in Feminist Spirituality” ![]() Kenneth Minkema, “The Devil will Roar in Me Anon” I’m still gathering textbooks and readings for the class, but here are some of the texts that I am considering assigning:Ĭlifford Geertz, “Religion as a Cultural System” Why are some spiritual practices lauded? And others are demonized as witchcraft? How do we decide what belongs in one category and what belongs in the other? In what ways have ideas about race, gender, and class shaped what we deem to be acceptable religion? I eventually decided to teach a course called Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft that uses the tools of anthropology, history, and literary theory to think critically about the relationship between religion and magic. I also wanted, however, to teach a course that was related in some way to my dissertation and would challenge me methodologically. I also wanted to take a break from Mormon Studies. I felt that doing so would define me too narrowly ? as a Mormon historian rather than a historian of religion, colonialism, and sexuality whose first project happens to focus on Mormonism. Although my dissertation focuses on Mormon missionary work, I decided NOT to focus the course on Mormonism. At Michigan, PhD Candidates who decide they would like to teach a course as part of their final year of funding are allowed to choose their own topic. In the past, my funding has been a healthy mixture of TAships (2 years) and fellowships (4 years). I will make the effort to make informed and objective decisions throughout the day.In the fall, I’ll be teaching my own course for the first time. I will resist the temptation to rush to judgment. I will pay attention to what is going on around me, so that my decision will be well-informed. Today, I will strive to “walk circumspectly before God.” When faced with a decision, I will take time to evaluate it appropriately. ![]() Therefore, they make decisions wisely and intentionally, not impetuously and impulsively. They are capable of overriding their emotions and taking sufficient time to make the right decision. ![]() They are aware of their circumstances, including their own feelings. Spiritually mature people are circumspect. So the literal meaning is “to look around.” The implication is that you are paying attention to what is going on around you and taking time to incorporate what you see into the decisions you make. The word circumspect comes from two Latin roots: “ circum” meaning “around” and “ specere” which means “to look” ( Online Etymology Dictionary). The Lamanites, who for much of their history had lived wickedly, were now “ circumspectly before God,” and keeping His commandments.Through Moses, the Lord had counseled the children of Israel: “In all things that I have said unto you be circumspect” ( Exodus 23:13). 5 And I would that ye should behold that the more part of them are in the path of their duty, and they do walk circumspectly before God, and they do observe to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments according to the law of Moses.Īs the Lamanite prophet Samuel called the Nephites to repentance, he asked them to consider the impact of the gospel on his people.
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