Getting Human Sexuality Conversations into Churches: An Exploration of the Need for Comprehensive Sexual Education in the Black Church Open Access

Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of sexual health and faith, particularly in the Black Christian Church. The historical misuse and abuse of Black bodies and the perception of whiteness and purity vs. blackness and sin have led to the silencing of Black sexuality. The church has played a major role in thinking about sexuality and sexual health and can be a great tool for public health interventions. Due to the silencing, there has been a lot of shame and judgment inflicted on people because of church values and beliefs. This project aims to dismantle the silencing and shame and spark conservations about sexuality within the church. With data from the EnFaith study, we explore how religious leaders navigate counseling, particularly surrounding abortion. Religious leaders can be great assets to those that are struggling in making sexual and reproductive health decisions when faith is a major component in it. Having informed comprehensive sexual education for religious leaders and the church, in general, will equip young adults 18-35 to navigate sexual health and faith together.

Keywords: Race, Faith, Sexuality, Comprehensive Sexual Education, Black Church  

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction…………………………………………………………………...1

1.1 Statement of Purpose……………………………………………….…………………1

1.2 Significance………………………………………………………….……………….....1

 

Chapter Two: Literature Review……………………………………….…………………2

2.1 Literature Review Process……………………………………….……………………2

2.2. Historical Context of Black Bodies and Sexuality……………….………...…...3

2.3 The Need for Comprehensive Sexual Education in Churches…………..…….5

2.4 Recognized Limitations of Faith-Based Intervention.….………………………7

2.5 Abortion, Reproductive Justice & Morality………………………...……….…....8

 

Chapter Three: EnFaith……………………………………………………………..…….11

3.1 Methods………………………………………………..……………………….....…...11

3.2 Results…………………………………………………….....………………………….13

3.3 Discussion/ Public Health Implications……………………………………..……17

 

Chapter Four: The Curriculum ……………………………………………………..…...18

4.1 Background of Existing Curriculum………………….………………..…..………18

4.2 Module 1: Letter to The Readers…. …………………..……………………..…….19

4.3 Module 2: Definitions and Diagrams………………………..……………….…….20

4.4 Module 3: Sexual Health and Spiritual Counseling.………..…………….…….23

4.5 Module 4: Pregnancy and Abortion Counseling………………………….………26

 

Chapter Five: Conclusion.……………………………………………….……...…………28

5.1 Conclusion………………………………………………………….…….....…………..28

5.2 Bibliography…………………………………………………………......………………29

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Religion, Clergy African American Studies Education, Health
Keyword	Black Church    Race Sexuality Comprehensive Sexual Education Faith
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	John Blevins, Emory University
Committee Members	Johanna Pringle, Emory University

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