Theology as Testimony

Space, Practices, and Legacies of Japanese American Detention in Los Angeles

“Drawing, 1943, Miné Okubo, Japanese American National Museum”

How do communities hold onto hope and meaning in the midst of violence and after trauma? How can theology be a tool for healing, resistance, and collective power?

This immersive course dives into the stories, spiritual practices, and creative resilience of Japanese American religious communities incarcerated during World War II. The class will visit sites of holy resistance and community in Los Angeles, including historic Japanese congregations, memorials to courage, and contemporary spaces of organizing and resilience. Through art, ritual, theology, and storytelling, we’ll explore how faith traditions have challenged systemic violence—and how they continue to shape movements for justice today.

Come ready to engage deeply: we’ll study intergenerational trauma and resistance, analyze theological texts, and draw connections to contemporary struggles. Along the way, you’ll explore your own role as a spiritual leader, artist, or justice-seeker in building more liberated communities.

 
In this course, you will:
  • Uncover the powerful legacy of Japanese American theologies forged through injustice and resilience.
  • Explore how art, ritual, and community organizing create space for healing and resistance.
  • Reflect on your own spiritual leadership in response to systemic harm.
  • Design practices that foster justice, solidarity, and transformation across religious and cultural lines.

 

Join us—and learn how faith can be a force for liberation.

January 20-24, 2026​

Los Angeles, CA

Community Participants: $500 (no academic or CEU credits) or $650 (with CEU credits)

Participation fee covers transportation, meals, and museum entry fees. Participation fees do NOT include transportation to Los Angeles or lodging. 

CST Students: Please register through Populi or contact your advisor

Applications and Payment for Community Participants due by January 9, 2026

Register Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Email*

Acknowledgement*
This course begins and ends each day at the Westwood campus of Claremont School of Theology, located at 10497 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, CA. The $500 registration fee covers the cost for bus transportation leaving from and returning to the Westwood campus each day of the program, meals during immersive course outings, and course instruction. You will need to arrange your own travel to and from the CST campus each day and your own lodgings. Do you understand what the course registration fee covers and are you willing to arrange your own transportation to campus and lodging in Los Angeles?
Continuing Education Units*
Would you like to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for this course? (Additional fee of $150)
Community Participants - $500 (no academic or CEU credits), $650 (with CEU credits). Participation fee covers transportation, meals, and museum entry fees. Participation fees do NOT include transportation to Los Angeles or lodging.