Fat Is a Faith Issue

The course will challenge us to become more aware of our own prejudices and the prejudices of the society we live in, and will aim to move us to a more expansive, inclusive and honest understanding of different bodies.

Over three weeks, this course will enable us to explore facts and common myths about fat bodies and reflect on assumptions we might have. In considering Christian and Quaker ideas, we will think about how images of human bodies and images of God relate, and seek to broaden our understandings of the divine. We will also look at the connections between fatphobia, sexism, and racism. Each week there will be a live discussion session (which will be recorded) and material to watch, read, or listen to on your own. Some parts of the course may be emotional or present challenging ideas – there will be space to ask questions and receive support from the tutor and elder but you may also wish to be in touch with supportive people in your community.

There will be some material to look at before the first session. We will email you around one week prior to the course with information about accessing the course, including this material, on our online learning platform (Moodle).