Month: January 2024

As we continue inching closer toward Ash Wednesday (February 14th) and the season of Lent, we continue to learn and listen to the voices of those that may be new to us, at least this one is new to me. As your pastors and staff have been reading voices from those less famous in the realm of theology, I share a new name with you, the Rev. Dr. Emilie Townes. I watched a few of her videos from the Work of the People, but this one that we share below really resonated with me. Emilie Townes is the Dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School and is an ordained American Baptist clergywoman. She was born in Durham, North Carolina and has gone on to do and write and teach and preach about justice, women’s theology and Christian Ethics. She is a voice of grace and openness to the changing world around her and holds distinguishing positions serving as the president of the Society for the Study of Black Religion (2012–2016) and being the first African American woman elected to the presidential line of the American Academy of Religion, which she led in 2008.

The video below, called “Hoarding Love,” is well worth the seven and half minutes because it asks us some important questions about the cultural production of evil and what would remedy it as followers of Jesus.

As she was talking, I thought about my kids, and how they share and don’t share. Emmaline and Charlie are old enough now to share well. They don’t really fight any more about what is theirs and what isn’t, of course they have their moments and they argue like any siblings do. Our focus right now has been on trying to teach Ellie, our 18 month old how to begin to understand sharing. Of course an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex makes sharing difficult for young children and as loved ones we have to show young children both how to survive while also making socially acceptable choices. And as our children grow, we can teach them how to be safe and assertive with their needs. In our family we are walking this line. Ellie is very strong and very loud, so when she wants your toothbrush, or water bottle or snack, she will not only pull on it with all of her might but scream REALLY loud. Usually we all give into her because it is easier and we chuckle at her determination (knowing that it will serve her better, ONE day). But what happens if we continue acting like toddlers as we grow into adults? How can following Jesus teach us how sharing is caring and that there really is enough on this earth for all to have their needs met?

This video dives into that and asks us some deep questions. I hope it blesses you as it has blessed me.

As a pastor and someone who has studied the Bible, I am incredibly guilty of reading theologians only from my faith tradition and who also happen to, sadly, look like me.

Over the next few weeks until the end of February, we will be sharing the perspectives of various black theologians with you. This study is an opportunity for me to learn, expand, and grow, and I hope it will be the same for you.

Today, we will hear from Monica Coleman, a theologian and professor focusing on Womanist theology. Womanist theology is the study of God through the lens of Black females. these scholars often find kinship in their anti-sexist, antiracist, and anti-classist commitments to feminist and liberation theologies.

Monica A. Coleman is committed to connecting faith and social justice. The interdenominational preaching magazine The African American Pulpit named Coleman one of the “Top 20 to Watch” – The New Generation of Leading Clergy: Preachers under 40. An ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Coleman has earned degrees at Harvard University, Vanderbilt University and Claremont Graduate University. Coleman is currently Associate Professor of Constructive Theology and African American Religions and Co-Director of the Center for Process Studies at Claremont School of Theology in southern California.

I haven’t had the opportunity to read any of Monica’s books yet, but I am excited to include her theological perspective in my reading and contemplation. Throughout this series, it’s possible that you may encounter ideas that are new to you or that you don’t necessarily agree with. However, that’s precisely the point. There is a vast array of theological ideas out there, and it’s crucial that we expose ourselves to them and allow them to challenge us, even if we don’t see eye to eye on everything.

Here are some books written by Monica if you would like to study further.

Below is a video by Monica Coleman about her views on God. I especially like her view that the phrase “God is love” may not be a big enough phrase. The concept is that God knows us even deeper than someone who just loves us; God knows us as someone who loves with us, Grieves with us, hurts with us, is God with us.

May your thoughts and hearts expand as you listen to more voices this month.I hope that during this upcoming month, you are able to listen to a variety of voices and perspectives, and that this experience helps you to broaden your understanding of the world around you. May your heart and mind be open to new ideas, and may you gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of thoughts and opinions that exist in our world.