Abstract

One branch of civic engagement studies has taken a turn in recent years toward movement building and grassroots activism. Based on the work of Paulo Freire and others in critical and liberatory pedagogy, along with historical movements of social change and the more recent civic engagement organizations, I investigate the articles in this volume with these theory-practice frameworks. The chapter asks: Is a main role of the university to uphold the status quo? Or is the university an institution of higher questioning toward “the beloved community,” that challenges the status quo? Critical pedagogy opens new opportunities for dialogue with the possibilities of civic engagement in religious and theological studies. It also serves as the grounding for social justice and change.