Fostering a faithful imagination
08-01-2023
Is there another way? What else can we do? Can we offer some options? If you’ve ever looked for answers to those kinds of questions, you’re using your imagination. Imagination is integral to the life of faith and how individuals and organizations move forward.
Imagine healing after trauma
Dr. Stephanie Crumpton
Associate professor of Practical Theology and director of the Trauma Healing Initiative
Imagination is a willingness to look a situation dead in its face and see something other than its declared conclusion. Imagination doesn’t ignore or deny what is, it’s about not letting ‘what is’ limit you. Trauma can have a way of shutting a person down. The logic of trauma says things such as ‘the world is unsafe, people are untrustworthy, I must stay inside.
Imagination sees all those things and invites those of us in various forms of ministry to think about how we can defy the logic of trauma and create safe spaces that demonstrate what safety looks like to those who have or are experiencing trauma. Imagination allows us to see a world outside the trauma…lessening the need to be hypervigilant or triggered every time a certain situation occurs. The practice, process and actions of imagination offer opportunities to create safe environments by bringing new light and different perspectives.
As we offer trauma-informed care, we share information while offering choices. We think outside the trauma box, building relationships of trust and new kinds of communities. We collaborate and help to identify new resources that can help people see new ways to deal with life. It takes imagination to do that.
Imagine new possibilities for theological education
Dr. Itihari Touré
Associate dean for Curriculum and Assessment
Imagination offers ways to expands the spaces where ministry can take place. At our recent Formation Week, I noticed the excitement that students experienced as they listened to an alum talk about the theology of real estate and another talk about bringing theological education to her business practices.
Imagination begins a process of reconstructing memory… of renewing our minds. If I’m transformed or as I’m being transformed, how I work with people, how I share, how I engage with others is going to be different because I’m open to imagining different ways of being.
Imagination will be a useful resource as McCormick and the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago move into the Chicago Theological Union’s building. Three different ecclesial communities will be sharing space and meals and observing each other’s traditions. What we see and what we hear from each other will shape us. I’m excited about what our collective imaginations will create…how it will offer ways for us to practice more deeply what it means to live as the Beloved Community.
Dr. Stephanie Crumpton
Dr. Itihari Touré