by Monica A. Coleman | May 7, 2010 | Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
I recently sat at dinner with a group of seminarians talking about whether or not theological education prepares student-ministers for the everyday tasks of ministry. At this particular time, we spoke about how classes in liturgy prepare seminarians to conduct some...
by Monica A. Coleman | Apr 30, 2010 | Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
When I first finished divinity school, I subscribed to a journal of Christian spirituality called Weavings. That was when I first heard of the concept of “active waiting.” Often associated with the liturgical seasons of Lent and Advent, “active waiting” describes...
by Monica A. Coleman | Apr 21, 2010 | Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
The disciples get a bad rap for not recognizing Jesus. I’ve heard sermons about how we should not be like Thomas – we should not doubt (John 20:24-29). We should not need physical evidence. I’ve heard sermons about how we should not be like those men on the...
by Monica A. Coleman | Apr 15, 2010 | Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
The camera pans to a living room. Dark hues mute an anguished woman’s face as her body blends into the couch. Quiet, sentimental music crescendos. Voiceover: “Are you depressed?” One last shot at the blank, bleak face. Not two seconds later the world is...
by Monica A. Coleman | Apr 7, 2010 | Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
“Are you sure sweetheart that you want to be made well?” These are the opening lines of Toni Cade Bambara’s amazing novel The Salt Eaters where black faith healer Minnie Ransom leads a community of friends and clinicians who respond to Velma Henry’s attempted...
by Monica A. Coleman | Apr 4, 2010 | Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
(posted on facebook last year; many people asked that I re-post to a wider audience) Many of you know me as someone with a progressive theology with a rather “low Christology.” Those are not my words; but in classic systematic terms, it’s been said. I prefer to...
by Monica A. Coleman | Mar 31, 2010 | Blog, Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
“Why I Need The Resurrection … in 100 Words or Less” follow. As one who knows metaphorical and literal death, resurrection matters. To see value in the past after seasons of hopelessness, and to stay in community when reason says to walk away —...
by Monica A. Coleman | Mar 31, 2010 | Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
I want to feel God. I don’t need a mystical experience or a burning bush, but I want to feel God. I need to feel God. I was taught not to depend on my feelings for God. I spent my college years as an active member of Campus Crusade for Christ. It was a...
by Monica A. Coleman | Mar 24, 2010 | Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
Music is an important part of my life. Whether jamming to an upbeat rock song at the gym or playing a sad song incessantly after a heartbreak, I, like many other people, can imagine creating a soundtrack to my life filled with the music of my generation. Music gives...
by Monica A. Coleman | Mar 17, 2010 | Monica's Blog, The Beautiful Mind Blog
“Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt me.” This is one of the biggest playground lies. The truth is that words matter. Names matter. It matters what we call ourselves. What other people call us, matters. And words stick with us...
