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Carceral Hermeneutics \n

This course is offered on Sundays, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11 & 18, 6:00-8:30pm (EST)\n

ONLINE\n

Where we read Scripture shapes what we see in it, and perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in carceral contexts. This course begins by exploring the definition and implications of carceral hermeneutics and how it has influenced our understanding of religion and the interpretation of biblical writings. Participants will consider not only the historical and literary context of any given text but also the social location of the interpreter as integral to the meanings we make of Scripture. Designed for learners with or without prior experience studying the Bible, the course introduces participants to reading Scripture in contexts of incarceration, captivity, slavery, exile, suffering, hope, and liberation through accessible lectures, guest biblical scholars, collaborative discussion of selected Hebrew Bible and New Testament passages, and the course text, Refuge in Hell: Finding God in Sing Sing by chaplain Ronald D. Lemmert. Participants will also consider how these themes shape the biblical witness and what it means to de-carcerate our reading of Scripture in an age of mass incarceration.\n

Instructor Bios:\n

Dr. John DucksworthHe has acquired an Associate degree from Duchess Community College, a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from State University of New York, a master’s degree in professional studies from New York Theological Seminary with a concentration in counseling and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a concentration in management and organization. In 2022 he earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from New York Theological Seminary. He has provided leadership to Court based programs, Community Corrections, probation and juvenile justice agencies, private corrections corporations and social services agencies in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. His various roles have expanded from experiential to providing direct service, to middle and senior management positions, to government agency Executive Team. He is a licensed trainer in Restorative Justice Principles and Practices from International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP), as well as trained at MAAT Training Institute for Restorative Justice, Washington, DC, Community Justice of Youth Institute, Chicago, Illinois, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and the US Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections, Longmont, Colorado. John is currently the Director of the Restorative Justice Project for the Children for Children’s Advocacy. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, has been published and is married to Joan and they have two teenage daughters.\n

William Eric Waters is an award-winning\n poet, playwright, and essayist. He is the author of six books, including the award-winning epic poem Black Shadows and Through the White Looking Glass: Memories of Things Past and Present. His most recent work, Conundrums: Stories of Law & Justice, was published under his pen name, Easy Waters, in June 2026. Waters holds a master’s degree from New York Theological Seminary and bachelor’s degrees from the University at Albany and the State University of New York at New Paltz. He has taught at the college level since 2007 and, since 2019, has taught in prison education programs offered by New York Theological Seminary, Bennington College, Bard College, and Union Theological Seminary. A longtime writer on crime, punishment, and justice, Waters also serves as a senior director at an international nonprofit organization working across four principal areas: workforce development, health, education, and economic development. His work as a writer, educator, and nonprofit leader reflects the personal credo: “I am a change agent for a just society and a catalyst for change.”\n

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This course is offered on Sundays, September 27 & October 4, 11, & 18

If you are a Union Alum or a Current Union Student, contact lsimon@uts.columbia.edu for your discount code before you register.

We strive to ensure that our events are accessible to everyone including individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations to participate in this event at Union, please contact Sonali Prabhakar at sprabhakar@uts.columbia.edu at least 10 days prior to the event to discuss your specific needs.

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