Written by: United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities December 4, 2023

Exploring the Relationship Between Religion and the Arts

There are innumerable works of classic, modern, and Christian art that reveal the complex history of the arts in the human experience as well as religious traditions and worldviews. A few illustrations include:

Even this handful of examples points to the diverse ways that fine art forms like music, dance, and visual art have served to facilitate religious and spiritual experiences, support rites of passage, articulate theological meaning, and—in many cases—contest receptions, resulting in acts of iconoclasm or reform.

Art or Religion: Which Came First?

The arts have been vital in religious experience and expression across continents and cultures for millennia. It could even be argued that one would not exist without the other.

Given that, for most of human history, the majority of the population has been illiterate, the arts have offered an important avenue for access to the holy. Thus, the arts must be interwoven within any academic study of religion and theology.

Why Is Religion Such a Universal Muse?

Because religion consists of human engagement with life experience and transitions, “big ideas,” and ultimate reality, it’s no surprise that religion has historically been—and continues to be—a major inspiration and influence in the arts. Before the early modern and modern art transition to “art for art’s sake,” most artwork was made to be used in some way—be it handled, kissed, manipulated, or experienced in other embodied ways.

Visual art was often combined with architecture to create meaningful ritual environments. Music and spoken word could teach spiritual principles and guide participants in their liturgical actions. In short, the arts enrich and create religious meaning in a multitude of ways such as by instruction, embodiment, and process.

Contrary to popular belief, artistic response and engagement with religion did not end with the so-called “secularization” of the early modern period. In fact, many modern artists of the 20th century, such as Jacob Epstein and Käthe Kollwitz, relied on religious iconography and concepts to respond to major events such as the atrocities of the World Wars. Contemporary artists of the late 20th and early 21st century continue to engage myth, spirituality, ritual, and iconography in their works to express deep human truths and concerns—from Kiki Smith to Mark Doox.

What is a Theology and the Arts Degree?

Theology and the Arts degree programs at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities—offered at the master’s and doctoral levels—prepare students to engage theological questions through a lens of the arts.

Master of Divinity

Drawing on both theology and the imagination, the MDiv in Theology and the Arts program prepares students for the classic functions of ministerial leadership, such as leading worship, preaching, understanding church history, providing pastoral care, forming people of faith, and leading a congregation. Using the arts as the primary lens, the program will enable graduates to lead a congregation or religious organization with practical skills that draw upon creativity and innovation.

Master of Arts

The MA in Theology and the Arts degree program prepares students to approach their theological study by engaging theological questions in a broad and systematic way, drawing on art history, aesthetics, practical arts, creativity, and imagination. The program has an academic focus on exploring justice, spirituality, and the human condition through the lens of art and theology.

Doctor of Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry degree allows students to increase their capacity to minister in our globalized and multifaith world. United’s DMin degree offers specialized, focused training designed to further enhance the ministry of those with substantial experience in a ministerial leadership role.

For more information, visit United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities’ Degree Programs page.

How Does a Theology and the Arts Degree Differ from a More “Traditional” Theology Degree?

A Theology and the Arts degree is inherently interdisciplinary and multi-modal. It connects scholarship and praxis/practice, which not only enhances student understanding of theological and religious concepts in the classroom but also invites innovative engagement in their vocations. Here are four ways in which Theology and the Arts and Theology degrees differ:

  1. Theological Discussions: Both degrees—theology and theology and the arts—explore religion and religious thought, but integrating theology with art offers a multi-faceted approach and thus greatly enriches theological discussions through the examination of aspects such as embodiment, process, and multimedia (as, for example, in the interaction between architecture, visual art, music, and speech in a liturgy).
  2. Learning Modalities: Seminaries typically educate students through extensive reading and training for preaching. At United, we also encourage creativity and learning by doing and drawing upon the arts in the classroom as a source of learning and critical thinking. All art forms are key, but modality studies indicate that many people learn and remember primarily through visual modes. For that reason, we emphasize visual arts in our theology and the arts courses.
  3. Forms of Expression: Unlike theology degrees at most seminaries that focus solely on ministry and preaching, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities accepts and affirms many forms of creative expression. Poetry, theater, visual arts, fabric arts, music, dance, photography, film, and more are conduits for the holy and invite theological reflection. Everyone has the capacity to draw upon the creative power of the arts for personal expression, spiritual reflection, and as a way of understanding the holy. We are all created in the image of a creating God. 
  4. Skill Development: When students take theology and the arts classes, it helps them to find ways to think “outside of the box” by engaging various art forms to think through theological ideas and questions—like writing a poetic reflection on the problem of evil or creating a sculpture from found objects that express hope. Understanding art as theology helps students open their imaginations and become better leaders.

What Can You Do with a Theology and the Arts Degree?

A Theology and Arts degree will equip you to bring an arts lens to a variety of ministry roles and contexts, from parish ministry to chaplaincy. It also supports work with arts organizations, other nonprofits, and educational communities.

A Theology and the Arts degree opens up a multitude of meaningful and impactful opportunities for individuals seeking to make a difference in the world. With a Theology and the Arts degree, you can pursue paths aligned with your unique interests, skills, and calling. A degree from United will set you up for success in the following vocational paths and meaningful pursuits:

  1. Congregational Ministry: Many theology and the arts MDiv graduates become ordained or licensed ministers and serve as pastors, providing spiritual leadership, guidance, and support to congregations. They have the privilege of leading worship, delivering sermons, conducting sacraments, and offering pastoral care to individuals and communities.
  2. Arts Activism: With a theology and the arts background, you can blend your passion for the arts with social activism. Whether through visual arts, music, theater, or film, you can use creative expressions to address social issues, advocate for justice, and inspire positive change within communities. This may involve organizing art exhibitions, performances, or cultural events that promote dialogue and raise awareness about important causes.
  3. Public Policy and Advocacy: As a theology and the arts graduate, you can contribute to shaping public policy by working in advocacy organizations, think tanks, or government agencies. Drawing on your theological perspectives, artistic talents, and ethical frameworks, you can research, analyze, and advocate to influence policies addressing poverty, human rights, environmental justice, and other social concerns.
  4. Social Services and Community Development: With a theology and the arts degree, you can work in various social service organizations, nonprofits, or community development agencies. This may involve coordinating programs that provide food, shelter, healthcare, and counseling services to vulnerable populations. As a seminary graduate, you can contribute your spiritual and artistic insights and compassionate approach to help uplift individuals and communities facing social challenges.
  5. Artistic Professional:  If you bring a strong arts background to your theology and the arts degree program, you may return to your profession with a new appreciation for all that art and theology encompass as well as the ways in which theology and art are inextricably intertwined.
  6. Nonprofit and Community Leadership: As a theology and the arts graduate, you can contribute to the nonprofit sector, taking up roles in organizations focused on creative pursuits (including museums and galleries), social justice, community development, advocacy, or humanitarian work. You can lead arts-related, religious, or faith-based organizations, guiding their vision, mission, and community outreach efforts.
  7. Writing and Publishing: With a theology and the arts degree, you can explore opportunities in writing and publishing, such as becoming an author or editor, or contributing to theological journals and publications. This avenue allows you to share insights, research, and perspectives on matters of faith, art, and spirituality.
  8. Chaplaincy: With a chaplaincy certificate, you can use your theology and the arts degree to work as a chaplain in various settings such as hospitals, military organizations, correctional facilities, universities, and hospices. You can offer spiritual and emotional support to individuals during challenging times—often through creative means—and provide counsel and facilitate religious services and rituals.
  9. Counseling and Therapy: With additional training and your theology and the arts degree, you can become a counselor or therapist, specializing in pastoral counseling, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling. You can integrate your theological and arts backgrounds with therapeutic techniques to support individuals, couples, and families in their emotional and spiritual well-being. You can also become a spiritual director, developing practices offering spiritual companionship.
  10. Teaching and Education: If you are a theology and the arts graduate who obtained a doctoral degree, you can pursue careers in teaching theology and the arts, religious studies, or ethics at educational institutions, including seminaries, colleges, universities, and other schools. You can then inspire and educate students, fostering understanding and dialogue about faith, art, spirituality, and religious traditions.

These are just some of the many examples, as the true possibilities are vast! A theology and the arts degree equips you with a strong foundation in theology, ethics, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership, enabling you to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals, communities, and society as a whole—in your own unique way.

How United Approaches Theology and the Arts

The Theology and Arts program embraces the arts (broadly understood to include all art forms) to be an essential medium of theological and religious meaning. As we often say at United, “Art IS theology.” That is, art is not merely illustrative of text-based theological ideas, but rather the arts—dance, comedy, cooking, craft, sculpture, poetry, and more—are themselves uniquely capable of creating and communicating theological meaning.

Because United values the arts in theological education, all students—regardless of degree program and concentration—are required to take at least one arts course. Moreover, the arts are infused into the life of United outside of the classroom in opportunities such as the regular “arts lunches,” gallery exhibits, guest artist talks, and community arts projects during Symposium week.

Is a Theology and the Arts Degree Right for You? 

Whether you identify as a practicing artist or an arts-appreciator, there is a place for you in United’s Theology and the Arts program. Whether you are looking to inspire and ground your arts practice with theology, philosophy, and/or spiritual practice, or you are a minister, chaplain, or religious or community leader who wants to infuse your work with the arts, United’s program will equip you with the academic knowledge, creativity, and spirit of curiosity and play that will enhance your vocation.

We invite you to sit in on a class, attend an arts event, view our recorded past events and lunches, or set up a meeting with a faculty member or student to learn more!

Interested in learning more about or pursuing a theology of the arts degree at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minnesota? Contact our admissions team to explore our 30+ seminary degree programs today!

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July 16, 2026
Announcements News Releases President

Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall to Retire in 2027 Following Six Exemplary Years as President

Her Vision and Leadership Have Transformed United Following six historic and transformative years as President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Rev. Dr. Molly T. Marshall will retire on June 30, 2027, upon completion of the seminary’s 65th academic year. President Marshall secured United’s financial standing, advanced institutional objectives toward long-term sustainability, and catalyzed historic growth in institutional fundraising and student enrollment. Rev. Dr. Marshall assumed her role as Interim President in March 2021 following thorough vetting by a search committee and the Board of Trustees’ unanimous vote. Having served in theological education for more than 40 years, her reputation preceded her. She made headlines as the first woman appointed to the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention. Ordained as a Southern Baptist, she later received the privilege of call by the American Baptist Church.  In 1997, she joined the faculty of Central Baptist Theological Seminary as professor of Theology and Spiritual Formation, thereafter stabilizing and revitalizing the school as President from 2004 to 2020, becoming the first woman ever to lead a Baptist seminary or divinity school. President Marshall’s respect and renown culminated in her executive report on effective seminary leadership, written for The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) before she arrived at United. Her experiences as a congregational minister, feminist theologian, prodigious academician, and her achievements as an administrator in theological education augured well for the seminary’s future in her care. Less than a year later, her position was made permanent, formally making her United’s tenth president, and, desiring to honor United's legacy, she pursued and received clergy standing with the MN United Church of Christ. United trustees outlined a set of priorities at the beginning of President Marshall’s tenure, on which she began immediate work. She invested much of her first several months in office in forming connections with alums, donors, and faculty. She concentrated her relational acumen on Advancement, and donors responded enthusiastically. In September 2021, United announced the Johnson-Fry Chair in World Religions and Intercultural Studies, endowed by Rev. Dr. Andrea Johnson (’17, ’23) and David Fry. Cultivating “respect for the lived religion of others,” as President Marshall often asserts, is a pillar of her scholarship and the seminary’s academic ethos. The Sophia Chair in Religious and Theological Studies, funded by a generous gift from Dr. Mary Farrell Bednarowski—Professor Emerita of Religious Studies (1976–2004)—and her husband and former trustee, Keith Bednarowski, followed in 2024. Finally, in 2025, a cadre of friends, alums, and former faculty established the Wilson Yates Chair in Theology and the Arts. These chairs, paired with substantial growth in endowed scholarships, feature prominently in President Marshall’s legacy and will endure as a witness to her faithful stewardship of alum and donor relations. Rev. Dr. Cindi Beth Johnson, Vice President for Advancement, reflects, “President Marshall’s enthusiasm, attention, and engagement with our donors have been important components of her leadership. She has honored our alums and delighted in our students. Molly has valued United’s history even as she has led us into new ways of being. She has built a culture that reflects her dedication, vision, and generosity. She has been a bright light in the broader community, embodying her passion for and dedication to United. Molly arrived with both expertise and heart, and she has shared them generously. She leaves a lasting imprint, and we are better for that. On a personal note, it has been a great gift to be her colleague.” Historic enrollment has been a fixture of President Marshall’s tenure. Between fall 2020 and fall 2025, degree-seeking student enrollment grew 57 percent, with the seminary welcoming its largest incoming class of degree-seeking students ever in fall 2025. In a climate where many theological schools have experienced stable or declining enrollment, United has surged. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS), one of the seminary’s two accrediting bodies, named United in its 2023 Holiday Colloquy Online issue as one of only 18 ATS-accredited seminaries to have demonstrated “steady year-over-year growth during the past five years.” President Marshall has positioned United as a leader in progressive theological education and a model for historically Mainline Christian schools. Commenting on what makes the seminary unique, President Marshall astutely noted United’s “desirable curriculum that emphasizes social transformation, theology and the arts, interreligious engagement, and public theology” and the intentional welcome of “students with myriad religious, spiritual, and theological leanings.” She sharpened and raised the seminary’s prophetic voice, believing that progressive theological education exists to serve the common good. From considerable growth in the Interreligious Chaplaincy program to the establishment of the Sims Scholars Initiative, she has expanded the student body’s depth and breadth. Under President Marshall’s fastidious leadership, United completed a Five-Year Strategic Plan in 2026. David S. Anderson, former Chair of the Board of Trustees (2020–2026), witnessed firsthand President Marshall’s effective management of United’s revitalization and her manifold accomplishments in office. On his close friend and colleague, David writes, “In her writings, President Marshall, Molly to me, once observed, ‘. . . following the Spirit will require of all of us faith—all the guidance we usually get is enough to take the next uncertain step.’ United, in late 2020, was indeed in a state of uncertainty, and President Marshall’s emergence as its next president must be seen as a revelation of the Spirit. She has led United to a platform of stability from which it will move forward with confidence, heeding the Spirit toward an uncertain, as human endeavors are, but bright and sustainable future.” Dr. Kyle Roberts, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, shared the news of President Marshall’s retirement with students this morning. With profound gratitude for her enrichment of the seminary’s faculty and scholarship, he remarked, “President Marshall has been just the leader this seminary needed to reclaim its vision, its vibrancy, and its voice in theological education. She has led a process of internal healing and of increasing external influence. She has been a champion of rigorous but applied theological education for spiritual leadership, supporting and encouraging the faculty in their teaching and the staff in their work. United,” he affirmed, “will always be indebted to her years of service and to her passion and care in moving the seminary to its next stage. United is, once again, a leading voice in progressive seminary education in large part because of President Marshall.” Rev. Dr. Dianne Oliver, Chair of the Board of Trustees, celebrates President Marshall’s transformative tenure and looks toward a bright future ahead. She affirms, “President Marshall’s impact on United is really extraordinary, and she will leave a profound legacy at the institution. Clearly, she has been successful in the ways often highlighted for an outstanding President—record enrollment, expanded academic programs, and financial stability, building a strong foundation for the next steps on United’s journey. Add to these leadership successes Molly’s theological acumen and prophetic voice in challenging times, and it is easy to see the scope of her leadership. Just as importantly, though, Molly has helped create a deep sense of community among the faculty, staff, students, trustees, and the broader community who support the work of United. Her leadership and accomplishments ensure United will keep living into the fullness of its mission and vision as the context for theological education continues to evolve.” Reflecting on her service to the seminary, President Marshall writes, “Serving as United’s President has been a joyful pursuit over these past several years as I have lived into the storied history of this good seminary. I have been invited into a theologically expansive landscape where courageous learning and creative ministries have renewed my own vocation in theological education.” She continues, “Faculty, staff, students, board members, donors, and friends have welcomed me to help craft this chapter of our shared mission. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to serve as United’s tenth president. (Don’t say goodbye to me yet; there’s still work to be done!)” A Presidential Search Committee, comprised of trustees and representatives from the student body, alums, faculty, and staff, has been engaged in faithful preparation ahead of the public search for President Marshall’s successor. The seminary will share details about this process in the days ahead. Friends and colleagues from throughout President Marshall’s career were invited to submit reflections in her honor. These have been published on our announcement page. United eagerly anticipates celebrating President Marshall and her myriad contributions to the life of the seminary community during special events in spring 2027. Details will be made available in the months ahead. Strengthened and invigorated by President Marshall’s faithful leadership over these six years, United enters its 65th year of progressive theological education, steadfast in its mission: preparing innovative and compassionate leaders for the equipping of churches, other faith communities, and society toward justice and peace. Honoring President Marshall In celebration of President Marshall's tenure, a webpage featuring images, reflections by friends and colleagues, and opportunities to honor her achievements is now available. Visit the link below to learn more. Learn More About United Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to educate leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling of systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Media Contact Nathanial Green (he/him) Director of Marketing and Communications press@unitedseminary.edu • 651.255.6138

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July 2, 2026
Alums Church Community Relationships Faith Formation Legacy UCC

St. Mark’s UCC Gifts an Endowed Scholarship to United

United graduates have an impact on United in countless ways. President Molly T. Marshall notes that they are, in fact, our letters of recommendation. They embody the educational experience they had at United in the work they pursue, in how they live out their faith traditions, and in the impact they have in the world.  We see this in myriad ways. There is the alum who is a recurring donor and the alum who creates a legacy gift to support future students. There is the alum who introduces President Marshall to a new donor. And there is the alum who sees another person’s interest in theological education and encourages them to pursue a degree at United. Recently, we have seen up close the impact of the work of Rev. Jennifer Jaimez (’98). Jennifer’s first call was to St. Mark’s UCC in Bloomington, Minnesota, which was founded in 1954. Jennifer served at St. Mark’s for 28 years and, like other pastors, she had a significant influence on members and the broader community. St. Mark’s also had an impact on United. During Jennifer’s ministry, eight students from United completed nine-month internships at St. Mark’s. As interns, these students were part of a learning community that helped them hone skills in teaching, preaching, counseling, and administration. The congregation, along with Jennifer, mentored and encouraged them. They have all gone on to do a multitude of things: serving in nonprofits, rural churches, city churches, and more. St. Mark’s investment in United students had a significant impact.  As for many congregations, the pandemic was difficult for St. Mark’s. Three years ago, they made the painful decision to complete their ministry and intentionally repurpose their assets while it was still their choice. In addition to supporting the Minnesota Conference UCC and the Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority, they made a significant gift to United. A relationship that began with mentoring interns grew into a newly endowed UCC scholarship. The St. Mark’s endowed scholarship will provide financial support for UCC students who wish to attend seminary. This gift creates an enduring legacy for St. Mark’s and will provide support for future students. As the gift was announced, their moderator, Cindy Russell,  said, “This gift will defray the cost of seminary education. Support for future leaders of the church remains important as the church continues to evolve into new ways of being the church.”  This spring, we have been blessed to establish several new endowed scholarships in addition to the one from St. Mark’s. Estate gifts from Joanne* (’82) and Thomas* Rohrict, and Elden* (Yankon, ’55) and Norma* Zuern have created a lasting legacy and investment in United. A recent gift from George (Mission House, ’55) and Joyce Schowalter will allow them to see, while they are living, the impact of scholarship support. Currently, 57 percent of scholarships are covered by generous gifts and endowed scholarships. The other 43 percent is paid out of United’s annual budget. Each scholarship gift, each new endowed scholarship, or gift to an already endowed scholarship, helps us expand offerings to our students. We don’t want financial limitations to become a barrier for students who feel called to attend United.  Your scholarship gifts supported Jennifer while she was a student. Her experience at United, along with the skills she has learned along the way, helped her shepherd St. Mark’s for more than two decades and through the difficult decision to complete their ministry. Your gifts to United continue to make this happen. We give thanks for the lasting legacies created by these and many other faithful donors.  __________________________ * Deceased

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June 25, 2026
Activism Alums immigration justice Liberation Theology

Alum Rev. Todd Lippert (’03): Living a Public Ministry

As Rev. Todd Lippert was growing up, his life was dominated by two constants: music and church. Both of his parents were music teachers. His dad was the high school choir director, and his mom was the elementary school music teacher. Though his family had been Baptist for generations, they ended up attending a United Church of Christ (UCC) church where his mom was hired to play the organ. It was also much closer to home than the nearest Baptist church.  “I always took Christian faith very seriously,” Todd asserts. “The church was a sacred and holy place to me.” In seventh grade, Todd remembers talking to his father. “I was at the bottom of the stairs talking to my dad at the top of the stairs. And that was when I said for the first time, ‘I wonder if I might want to be a pastor someday.’”  But, Todd adds, “the idea was really terrifying to me,” so he put it out of his mind. At the University of Iowa, he pursued a music degree. During a philosophy class toward the end of college, a professed atheist professor began asking some of the same questions about faith that Todd was confronting. “I was wrestling with whether I was a Christian or not.”   Deciding on Seminary The turning point came one Sunday morning after graduation when Todd and his wife were at church. At the time, he was selling Yellow Pages ads and contemplating an MBA. “I hated it,” Todd confesses. “I was miserable.” Watching the preacher at First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, he thought, “Maybe I could do that, and maybe I need to pay attention to this call to ministry that keeps bubbling up.” United was the first UCC seminary that came up on the computer, and when Todd visited, “it felt like home for me as soon as I arrived.” Since his wife was doing graduate work at the University of Minnesota, they moved to the Twin Cities.  “At United,” Todd recalls, “I had the space to figure out how Christianity was meaningful and how this faith fit together for me.” Professors who welcomed and encouraged his questions were key to his faith formation, and the “liberation theology that moved through the curriculum, with its focus on justice, was extremely appealing to me.”  Todd was also inspired by his classmates. “I saw the student body deeply engaged in the political and social questions of the day.” At United from 2000 to 2003, Todd experienced the Bush v. Gore lawsuit, 9/11 terror attacks, Minnesota senator Paul Wellstone’s tragic death, and the Iraq war launch as he was earning his MDiv.    Public Theology Justice-seeking activism, Todd asserts, “really cemented my understanding that the body of Christ is about bringing the realm of God into being wherever it is. And that was something that would have to make my life better and make my community better.” Since graduating, Todd has worked as a UCC pastor, a Minnesota state legislator (2018–2022), a community organizer with ISAIAH, and a community minister with Creekside Church. The clergy organizing work during Operation Metro Surge was especially impactful and reconnected him with United. Todd went through “nonviolent direct action training with Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock, one of the authors I read.” He also worked with Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler, his former Hebrew scripture professor.  United, notes Todd, equipped him “to be able to understand what is going on in our world, and in our communities, and I had the tools to get better and better at that, reading the present through a biblical and theological lens.” He is extraordinarily proud of the way the church showed up in Minnesota and grateful for United. “I really want,” Todd concludes, “the love-your-neighbor values of the church to be a force in our public life, not an afterthought. I want it to be a force in our political life.”

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