Rooted in Scripture and shaped by historical realities, Palestinian Liberation Theology engages questions of justice, land, suffering, hope, and nonviolent resistance to name a few. The course focuses on Palestinian theological voices while attending closely to the particular historical, political, and ecclesial contexts of Palestine.
Students will engage primary theological texts by Palestinian Christian thinkers, explore biblical interpretation from the margins, and examine the role of the Church in contexts of oppression and conflict. The course invites critical reflection on faith, ethics, and Christian witness in the Holy Land and beyond.
Pedagogical Approach
The course emphasizes respectful dialogue, critical engagement, and pastoral sensitivity. Students are expected to approach the subject with intellectual rigor and openness to perspectives shaped by lived experience.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the historical and political contexts that shape Palestinian Christian theology
- Identify key themes, figures, and texts in Palestinian Liberation Theology
- Analyze biblical interpretation through the lens of lived experience, land, and justice
- Reflect critically on the role of the Church in situations of injustice and conflict
- Articulate theological responses to occupation, violence, reconciliation, and hope
Course Schedule
Week 1, April 18/May 23 – Introduction: Why Palestinian Liberation Theology?
- Course overview and expectations
- Liberation theology: origins and key concepts
Week 2, April 25/June 6 – Historical Context I: Palestine and the Christian Presence
- Christianity in Palestine: ancient roots and modern realities
- The Nakba of 1948 and its implications
April 29 – Public Event: "The Other Side of the Wall" with the Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac
Week 3, May 2/June 13 – Historical Context II: Palestine and Zionism
- Zionism, Christian Zionism, and Palestine
Week 4, May 9/June 20 – The Bible and Liberation: A Palestinian Perspective
- The Bible and the Palestinian Struggle for Liberation
May 13 – Public Event: Theology from the Margins with the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb
Week 5, May 16/June 27 – A Palestinian Cry for Justice and Compassion
- Justice, compassion, and the Palestinian theology of liberation
- The role of the Church in contexts of injustice
Required Texts (provided for students by EDS)
- Ateek, Naim. Justice, and Only Justice: A Palestinian Theology of Liberation. Maryknoll, N.Y: Orbis Books, 1989.
- Kairos Palestine I&II: A Moment of Truth
- Other readings as assigned.
Course Requirements
- Students are expected to read the assigned material for each week,
- Students are encouraged to bring their questions for discussion,
- Students are encouraged to write a short essay (2-page), answering the question: “Where do I go from here?”
Cost structure:
Three tiers, pay what you can: $300, $150, $75. Financial aid is available - inquire by emailing [email protected].
Registration
This course will be capped at 25 students. Due to anticipated high demand, enrollment will be via a lottery system.
Registration was open through April 2, 2026 at 4pm US Eastern, and is now closed.
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The Rev. Dr. Fadi Diab, B.Th., STM, MTS, D.Min.
Ramallah, Palestine
The Rev. Dr. Fadi Diab is a Palestinian priest, theologian, writer, and advocate for justice and peace. He serves as the rector of St. Andrew’s Church in Ramallah and St. Peter’s Church in Birzeit and provides pastoral leadership across multiple institutions in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, including the Episcopal School, Medical Centre, and Evangelical Home for Children.
A key figure in interfaith and justice movements, he co-authored the Kairos Palestine Document and serves on the board of Kairos Palestine, the Palestine-Israeli Theologians Forum, and the Al Ahli Arab Hospital (Gaza) board. Fr. Diab holds degrees from the Near East School of Theology, Chicago Theological Seminary, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Virginia Theological Seminary.
About the artwork
The artwork used to promote this course and it's associated EDS colloquia was adapted from Palestinian artist, Malak Mattar’s Shelter. It is used with permission and compensation. You can explore more of Malak’s work on her website: malak-mattar.com and Instagram: @malakmattarart.