Project Summary: “God’s Mind in the Music”

-an exploration of the spiritual quest and theological significance of John Coltrane

As part of the growing literature on the intersection of theology and popular culture, the purpose of this study will be to conduct research on the spiritual quest and theological significance of the work of jazz musician John Coltrane. Sources will include existing published material, archival interviews and material, and interviews with musicians and others who worked with, or have been influenced by, Coltrane.

This project is of particular significance in my own ministry, as I am the founding pastor of a church community with a substantial focus in the arts and music.

The work will involve four phases:

1. Preliminary research;

2. A month-long research and writing phase in New York City, Winter/Spring 2011, working at both the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and as a scholar-in-residence at the Burke Library, Union Theological Seminary, and conducting personal interviews;

3. A four week intensive writing retreat as a short-term scholar-in-residence at the Collegeville Institute, Winter/Spring 2011, Collegeville Minnesota;

4. Continued writing and editing, one day per week through to August 31, 2011.

The goal is to produce a publishable book-length manuscript, directed to readers interested in explorations in culture and theology, as well as to those with particular interest in jazz and the music of Coltrane.