Embodied womanist play brings us closer to ourselves, to others, and to the divine. In this remarkably innovative book, Lakisha R. Lockhart-Rusch offers a fresh vision for theological education rooted in the embodied insights of Black women. Acknowledging the historical reality that play has often been a privilege reserved for those in power, Lockhart-Rusch shows how play has nonetheless functioned as a hidden space of agency, healing, and resistance for Black women. Using the game of Double Dutch as an extended metaphor, she demonstrates how a womanist pedagogy of play offers a transformative encounter with the love of self and of God for students from all backgrounds. Coupling theory with practical tools, this book equips theological educators to teach across difference for the liberation of all.
Lakisha R. Lockhart-Rusch is an ordained minister, womanist play facilitator, and assistant professor of Christian education at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She coedited the book Theopoetics in Color: Embodied Approaches in Theological Discourse and coauthored the facilitator's guide to United Against Racism: Churches for Change.
"Lockhart-Rusch uses the rich metaphor of Double Dutch jump rope to highlight how the 'tightrope' of hegemonic culture and history can be woven together with the 'second rope' of womanist engagement to facilitate playful, faithful learning that is deeply transformative. Her book is full of concrete examples of womanist pedagogical practices that can be embodied in theological classrooms, as well as places of learning far beyond the academy. We need this book; it's an essential reminder that God comes to us in the work and play of the margins, showing up in ways that bring joyful fun and communal engagement into being." --Mary Hess, Luther Seminary "Doing Theological Double Dutch clearly establishes Lakisha Lockhart-Rusch as a leading young scholar in the international field of religious education. In this creative and courageous text, she brings together the liberating and humanizing potential of play with a powerful womanist pedagogy, all to break new ground for educating in faith that is emancipatory for all." --Thomas Groome, Boston College "Lakisha Lockhart-Rusch's book weaves together womanist wisdom for play meant to nourish educators everywhere. Lockhart-Rusch skillfully shows educators what healing and inclusive play looks and feels like for spiritual communities bold enough to try. She invites readers to appreciate play through a womanist lens in ways that will transform their movement in the world." --Christine Hong, Columbia Theological Seminary "Lockhart-Rusch invites readers of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to experience womanist play that seeks liberation, hope, and joy for all. Doing Theological Double Dutch is a necessary read for educators and religious leaders who are seeing the violence and trauma in the world, and want to offer joy and love. A field-defining book that will shape your imagination about what is theologically possible for both the children in our community and your inner child." --Patrick B. Reyes, Auburn Theological Seminary "DoingTheological Double Dutch playfully expands our imaginations about how much more liberating and meaningful educating for faith could be if we engaged in womanish modes of play. These pages are brimming with hope for change, deep wisdom from womanist 'mothers, ' and most of all big love for all humans who long to be seen." --Courtney Goto, Boston University School of Theology
