interfaith

Meet Tim Senapatiratne, New Director of the Spencer Library

On June 1 of this year, United welcomed Dr. Tim Senapatiratne as Director of the Spencer Library and Associate Professor of Theological Bibliography. Tim comes to United after 15 years at Bethel University where he was Senior Reference and Instruction Librarian. Tim has also been teaching a research course for United’s Doctor of Ministry students for about six years now, but he is excited to have a more prominent role at United. (more…)

Why You Should Consider a Christian Seminary — Even If You’re Not a Christian

As a queer, Jewish artist, when I told my friends and family that I would studying at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, many were confused. “So like, are you becoming a priest?” some would ask. Others more directly retorted, “But you’re Jewish!?!?!?! Why would you want to do that?” The fact is, there are numerous reasons why I think it is important to study at a progressive, pluralistic seminary rooted in Liberal Christianity. Three key reasons are that Christianity is a defining theological and ideological component of our culture; that being in conversation with Christians helps us better understand our own traditions; and that our presence and voice helps decenter Christianity as an assumed norm. (more…)

Doing Religion Responsibly: Theological Lessons from Craft Brewing

I love beer. I love it enough that I decided to learn how to make it. It helps that making beer is an uptight person’s dream-come-true: steeping the grains in water that’s just the right temperature; adding hops at just the right time to balance the sweetness of the wort (aka pre-beer); selecting just the right yeast to bring out just the right flavors; keeping the fermenting beer at just the right temperature. (more…)

Statement from United: Violence in the Name of Hate Is an Affront to God

As we grieve for those murdered in Pittsburgh, we are called individually and collectively to demand elimination of the political rhetoric that flames divisiveness and hatred toward people who are perceived to be different. The time is now to turn our collective rage, fear and sadness into community action and change. Vigils and prayers must evolve into sustained expressions of a healthy and loving community. It will take more than healthier politicians to reduce the pathology of hatred in our communities and nation. (more…)

Introducing Social Transformation at United: Videos from Students.  

At United, a key question is what makes an ethical leader. According Steve Newcom, Director of the Social Transformation Program, "there are injustices in the world" and for many of our students "their faith calls them to do something about that." In the following videos students discuss what calls them to study Social Transformation at United. (more…)

Interview with Dr. Ayo Yetunde on the Theology of Prince

"The Theology of Prince" is a project at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities headed by Dr. Pamela Ayo Yetunde, Assistant Professor of Pastural and Spiritual Care and Counseling and Director of Interfaith Chaplaincy. The project includes a call for essays, poetry, video, or visual art from the United Community in response to the theme. On September 27, 2017 I interviewed Dr. Yetunde about the project and her connection to Prince. (more…)

UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF THE TWIN CITIES HIRES DR. PAMELA AYO YETUNDE TO EXPAND INTERRELIGIOUS CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM

(NEW BRIGHTON, Minn., July 2017)—United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities is pleased to announce that following a competitive candidate selection process, Dr. Pamela Ayo Yetunde has been selected and appointed to the Faculty, effective July 1, 2017. In addition to serving as Assistant Professor for Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy, Dr. Yetunde will head United’s Interreligious Chaplaincy Program, which she will work to advance. (more…)