CTS Talks: Rev. Dr. Irie L. Session

This talk explores Proverbs 22:6, “Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it,” and asks what the text actually requires of those who care for children. Too often, this verse has been read as a mandate to mold children into a shape their caretakers have already decided on. Thus, discounting the reality that each child arrives in their own context and culture and has unique creative capacities. This sermon talk offers another reading. Seeing precedes shaping.

The Zulu greeting Sawubona, “We see you…we see your humanity,” names the kind of deliberate seeing required for children’s spiritual flourishing. It is a recognition of each child as a whole person whose spirit, soul, and body are to be nurtured, cherished, loved, and seen uniquely for who they are.

Particular attention will be given to the care of Black children’s souls. Drawing on Janet E. Helms’ work on racial identity development and W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness, the talk considers what it means to tend the interior life of a child learning early that the world sees them through more than one set of eyes.

Experience a series of captivating “TED Talk” style lectures at CTS Talks. Delivered by distinguished guests who are subject matter experts, these thought-provoking talks provide a platform to gain insight on topics that tie together intellectual curiosity and community reflection.

Rev. Dr. Irie L. Session

Rev. Dr. Irie L. Session is a womanist theologian, preacher, teacher, author, and founder of DreamBIG Coaching and Consulting. Her work equips Black women and other marginalized communities to reclaim their voice, dignity, and leadership through biblical interpretation, liberative theology, and practical leadership development. With more than 35 years of experience in ministry, social work, nonprofit leadership, and higher education, she serves as co-pastor of The Gathering, a Womanist Church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and teaches at Brite Divinity School, Perkins School of Theology, Memphis Theological Seminary, and Eden Theological Seminary. Dr. Irie is the author of several books and integrates emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into her work to support economic resilience and flourishing.