Jazz Theology 101--with visiting professor Carl Ellis

Exerpt   Jazz Theology 101--with visiting professor Carl Ellis (Final Session)

 

"If the classical approach to theology has been called 'the queen of sciences,' the jazz approach to theology could be called the 'queen of the arts.' The latter investigates God's dealing with people in the joys and trails of daily life...The jazz approach is not so much concerned with the status of theological propositions as with the hurts of oppressed people. It is communicated not so much by a literary tradition as by an oral tradition. And it is not so much concerned with facts as it is with life skills: knowing how rather than knowing that."

"The great advantage of the jazz approach to theology is its requirement that people be involved with Truth.” Jazz theology invites us to participate in the propositions. To enter in to the Biblical story and know the truth so that the truth can set us free.

"Jazz theology is a participation in the basic patterns revealed in biblical life situations. It inquires not only what God did and said but how he said and did it. Further more, it expects him to do it again in a similar way in our lives...Effective Black preachers respond to current situations by theologizing creatively on their feet, just as jazz musicians improvise new music and enliven old songs in response to the feeling and needs of the moment."

When you read the scriptures, what tools or tips have you discovered to enter in to the text and experience the living word? How do you keep theology from being just informational?

Carl Ellis is the President of Project Joseph, a ministry devoted to equipping Christians to minister to Muslims.He is also the Dean of Intercultural Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary.Dr. Ellis holds a B.A. from Hampton University, a M.A. from Westminster Theological Seminary, and a D.Phil. from OxfordGraduate School in Crystal Springs, TN.Carl is a sought-after speaker on the subjects of Islam and Racial Reconciliation.He has pastored at the Friendship Community Church in Chattanooga, TN, taught seminars for Prison Fellowship Ministries, and has taught at the Center for Urban Theological Studies and Chesapeake Theological Seminary.He has authored several books including The Changing Face of Islam in America: Understanding and Reaching Your Muslim Neighbors and Free at Last?: The Gospel in the African-American Experience

Click here: Reflections of a Jazz Theologian: Carl Ellis

Rev. Carl Francis Ellis, Jr

Rev. Carl Francis Ellis is Dean of Inter-Cultural Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA and President of Project Joseph in Chattanooga, TN. He has also served as a Pastor in various churches, and as Senior Editor of Urban Ministries, Inc. He is also the author of numerous articles and five books, the lastest of which was published in 2005 and is titled, Going Global. He obtained a M.A., Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary and is a D.Phil Candidate at Oxford Graduate School.

The Dr. John M. Perkins Lectureship Series

Hear some of the world’s foremost authorities on race, religion, culture, community, education and empowerment take on the topics of “Ministry in the City”.

Crichton College
August 14th - October 2nd
Tuesdays at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Virgil L. Iles Auditorium

Listen to the Lectureship Series

You can listen to previous lectures here or download for play on your computer or MP3 player. Simply click the title to listen, or to download, right click and "Save Target As..." to your computer.

September 25, 2007 – Dr. Carl Ellis "The African-American Cultural Crisis" – part 1, part 2
About three minutes of Dr. Ellis' complete lecture is not included in these recordings.