Delores S. Williams and womanist theology
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Delores S. Williams’ worldview influenced her development of womanist theology.
Key learning points
- Williams overcame segregation, personal loss, and societal challenges to become a pioneering womanist theologian.
- Her book 'Sisters in the Wilderness' shifted the focus of Christian faith to survival, community, and justice.
- Her womanist theology empowers Black women, highlighting their resilience and faith.
- Williams' womanist retelling of Hagar's story is significant to many African American women.
Keywords
Resilience - the ability to endure hardship and keep moving forward
Survival - persevering through systemic oppression, despite the challenges of racism, sexism and discrimination
Womanist theology - highlights Black women’s struggles, strength and faith, addressing both race and gender
Common misconception
Liberation is not always about escaping suffering.
Many Black women find strength in their faith and ability to survive hardship, not because God removes their suffering, but because His liberating presence sustains them.
Teacher tip
Focus on Hagar’s perspective by exploring her resilience and faith through her emotional journey. Encourage students to view her not as a victim, but as a woman of strength and agency, shaped by her experiences and her relationship with God.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Saint of Lima was the first person from the Americas to be canonised.
Q2.Where was Saint Rose of Lima born?
Q3.What did Saint Rose of Lima reject in order to focus on prayer and solitude?
Q4.Saint Rose of Lima is known as the patron saint of which group of people?
Q5.What practice did Saint Rose of Lima follow to deepen her spiritual connection?
Q6.When is Saint Rose of Lima’s feast day celebrated in Peru?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.The Jim Crow were a set of state and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States.
Q2.What is one key focus of Delores S. Williams’ theology?
Q3.Who is a key influence on Delores S. Williams’ womanist theology?
Q4.What did Delores S. Williams emphasise about Black women’s faith?
Q5.What does womanist theology challenge traditional Christianity to do?
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Delores S. Williams and womanist theology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Delores S. Williams and womanist theology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Christianity: how have the experiences of the Global South shaped it? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.