by Jesse James DeConto
Christian Century<\/p>\n
The class on spiritual autobiography was examining the inside cover of a narrative written by a former slave, Olaudah Equiano, in the 18th century. One of the students, Garcia Burnette, noticed that the page included a regal portrait of Equiano holding a Bible open to the book of Acts. He suggested that this could be a reference to Acts 12, in which Peter is delivered from Herod\u2019s prison. Burnette also noticed that another edition of the book portrayed Equiano in a red gown. \u201cThe red is like scarlet,\u201d he said, \u201ca color of power.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s very insightful,\u201d said Willie Jennings, a professor at Duke Divinity School who was leading the class that day. \u201cAll of this is purposeful. [Equiano] wants to make sure he is interpreted as a full equal in society.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d said Burnette. \u201cNot just a slave or a savage.\u201d<\/p>\n
Burnette was not the usual attentive seminary student, nor was this discussion taking place in the usual seminary classroom. He was a prisoner, incarcerated for breaking and entering, and the class was held in the Durham Correctional Center. Through a program at Duke Divinity School, Burnette was engaged in theological study alongside seminary students.<\/p>\n