JAN 309 - God & Gangs: Redeeming the Streets and the Sacred, a Latin@ Perspective

Course Meeting Days & Times: MTThF, 9:15 AM-11:45 AM

Instructor(s): Suárez-Abraham, Anthony

Email: as116@stmarys-ca.edu

Fee: $25

Course Description:  God and Gangs: Redeeming the Streets and the Sacred, a Latin@ Perspective: For many Latin@s gang life is a forced reality that often functions as alternative communities of not only family life but also that of divine life. For Latino and Latina gangs, brotherhood and sisterhood function as a unified body-much like the body of Christ. The understanding of community and relationality is not unlike that of the church body. The language, rules, rituals, symbols, and structures of gang life parallel that of church doctrines and liturgy. When Latinos and Latinas join gangs, they are “blessed in,” learning the necessity of communal life, faithfulness, and service to one another. In their “new communal life” Latin@s invoke the protection of God, the Virgin Mary, and the saints-the sacred is alive in gang life. But how? And where? And when? And wait, what? This face-to-face course will explore the complexities of Latin@ gang life to determine what, if anything, is disclosed about the mystery of God and how this understanding may lead toward the redemption of the streets, and the sacred. Students with an academic and/or professional interest in sociology, criminology, education, ethnic studies, political science, psychology, theology, and/or ministry may find the course of particular relevance.

Prerequisites & Notes
None 

Credits: 3