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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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!