Written by: United Theological Seminary June 29, 2018

Video Ministry: Countering LGBTQ “Clobber Texts” on Youtube.

How do we share our messages and enact our ministry across different audiences? Social Transformation student, Nikole Mitchell uses Twitter, blogging, and vlogging (video blogging) to reach people where they are. As a self-described biracial, queer woman, Nikole engages questions of social justice, racial equity, and LGBTQ inclusion through social media. In Fall, 2017, Nikole published a series of videos about Biblical passages often used against LGBTQ people. Nikole speaks with a number of religious leaders in the Twin Cities area to think through and counter these so called “clobber texts.” Watch the full series below:

Clobber 1: Romans 1:26-27 with Pastor Emmy Kegler

Clobber 2: I Corinthians 6:9 with Joshua Reno

Clobber 3: Genesis 19 with Pastor Miriam

Clobber 4: Leviticus 18:22 and 20:14 with CP Elliott

Clobber 5: Genesis 2 with Kim Graff

Why Queer Christians Don’t Need To Address Clobber Passages with Father Shannon T.L. Kearns

On her Blog, Nikole writes: “I believe the healing of myself and the healing of this world are intimately connected. Through my writing and videos, I seek to put a voice to fears, struggles, and joys we are hesitant to talk about in hopes we might find the community and love we’ve been looking for.” Nikole is using her voices, Emmy, Joshua, Miriam, CP, Kim, and Fr. Shannon are using their voices, and we are all called to speak out in the face of injustice.

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Lauren Busey (’07) grew up in the Lutheran church, earned an undergraduate degree from Luther College, and thought she would probably attend a Lutheran seminary. Then, at a Luther College women’s retreat, Rev. Dr. Christie Cozad Nueger (’80)— Professor Emerita of Pastoral Counseling and Pastoral Theology (1992–2005)—was the featured speaker and knew Lauren’s campus pastor. “So,” Lauren remembers, “we just kind of got to talking, and within a couple of weeks, I was enrolled at United.” United “was a good fit,” Lauren asserts. She found a welcoming community of fellow students and treasured professors. Those who had the greatest impact include Rev. Dr. Jann Cather Weaver (Associate Professor Emerita of Worship, and Theology and the Arts, 2001–2012), Dr. Marilyn Salmon† (Professor Emerita of New Testament Theology, 1989–2014), and Dr. Carolyn Pressler (Professor Emerita of Biblical Interpretation, 1990–2020). (more…)

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Alex Sánchez Rodriguez Finds Vocational Inspiration at United

Alex Sánchez Rodriguez, who plans to graduate from United in 2026 with an MA in Religion and Theology, was initially drawn to the seminary’s Interreligious Chaplaincy program. Since taking more classes, engaging with his professors, becoming involved in the Student Leadership Collective, and taking on other extracurricular activities, he has settled on a new calling. “I discovered,” Alex shares, “that I have a natural affinity toward academics.” In fact, he admits, “I want to be like my professors.” Before coming to United, Alex was a substitute teacher in Puerto Rico. Since he moved to Minnesota, he has been working in student development and promoting student success. The priority of student success is the throughline, Alex perceives, from his current role and an academic career. “If I am to go into academia,” he explains, “part of my success as a teacher, professor, and researcher depends on the success of my future students.” (more…)