This fall, United Theological Seminary is delighted to host a retrospective of Jimmy Reagan’s early works and artwork from his most recent exploration of other materials. We invite you to come be part of the conversation! (more…)
Craig Wright and Dominic Papatola discuss the intersection of art and spirituality June 5 at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (more…)
Every morning, Pam Wynn sets a timer for 20 minutes, pulls out her journal and her favorite pen, lights a candle, and writes. "It's a ritual," she says. Pam is a poet and Adjunct Professor of Writing, Poetry, and Theological Interpretation at United. "Like liturgy, ritual is an ancient way to connect to the divine. Writing as a ritual reduces anxiety, promotes self-confidence, and increases one's sense of empowerment." Pam teaches online workshops about writing--specifically journal writing--as a spiritual practice (including one that is being offered this spring through United). Below, she shares some of her best tips for getting started with a regular writing practice. (more…)
If you happened to be walking down the halls of United on Saturday, January 21st, you probably heard a lot of singing. That's because more than 40 people from around the Twin Cities and across the upper Midwest gathered for a day-long interfaith "Music That Makes Community" workshop. Facilitated by director Paul Vasile and local musician Conie Borchardt, the event explored the practice of teaching paperless singing. The group learned new skills for leading community songs to enrich their communities' worship life, and reflected on strategies for cultivating participatory singing and liturgy. (more…)
This semester, United is offering some engaging opportunities to explore the intersection between theology and the arts! Perfect for pastors, artists, and community members alike, this is your chance to bring artistic expression and learning to your ministry and spiritual practice. (more…)
"What is your responsibility to yourself as an artist, integrity, ethics––why are you compelled to make things, and then to whatever community you are in and your artwork is intended for?" These are the questions Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman asks as she begins a three-year appointment at United as Assistant Professor of Theology and the Arts. (more…)
On October 9, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities hosted a panel about the artist Jimmy Reagan. Jimmy Reagan is internationally recognized as an Outsider Artist. Diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, he creates in a way that isn't impeded by the rules of mainstream art. Monday's panel included Jimmy's mother Peg Reagan, Associate Professor Emerita of Theology & the Arts at United Jann Cather Weaver, and artist Jeff Anderson. You can view the video of the whole panel below. The exhibit Conversations with Jimmy will be up at United until November 30, 2017. (more…)
In Spring 2018, students had the opportunity to enroll in United's course TR650: Theology in Contemporary Film taught by Dr. Jann Cather Weaver. Dr. Weaver selected a number of films from the last 18 years, and each week, students were assigned to view a film outside of class. After watching the assigned movie twice and doing class readings, each student wrote a paragraph on the religious and ethical themes in the film and posed a theological question to be discussed in class. Focusing on films that are not explicitly religious, the course teaches students how to see theologically, and explore implicit theologies in art. (more…)