A Theology of Softness: Black Imagination, Collective Liberation & Living “Enfleshed”

Hello Soulful Revolutionaries,Lately, we have been thinking about the kind of faith that begins not in certainty, but in softness. About how, in the midst of ache, disaster, dysfunction, and unrest, tenderness might still be a radical act of resistance, a way of remaking the world in love.In this week’s conversation, we sit down with theologian, writer, PhD student, and co-director of enfleshed, Robert Monson, whose life and work rise from the rich soil of Black liberation theology and womanist wisdom. As a Black disabled man, Robert invites us to consider how our bodies—especially those the world deems “unfit”—are sacred sites of divine encounter. We talk about enfleshed’s mission to create spiritual resources for marginalized communities, about imagination is gas for a car, “the animating life force” doubling as a tool for liberation, and about the holy practice of softness in a world that religiously confuses hardness for strength.Robert helps us glimpse a God who is curious and adaptive, who companions us through pain and joy alike, and who delights in the fullness of who we are. We invite you to soak in this conversation—and in Robert’s closing blessing: a reminder that “you are your own best thing.”That after all you’ve carried, created, and survived, you remain a blessing to this world and to God. You are doing your very best with what you have—and that, Beloved, is enough.A Soulful Revolution is made possible by listeners and readers like you. To receive new posts and support this project, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.About RobertRobert (he/him) is a runner, musician, and a Black theologian committed to softness, contemplation, and liberation for all. As a recent seminary graduate (with distinction) and a current PhD student, Robert studied in-depth the intersection of Black Liberation Theology and womanist theology. Weaving together these two strands of liberation have been important work as well as other liberation based theologies. “How can we help facilitate community and provide answers to a hurting world that is reeling?” remains an important question in his work. While in school, Robert’s scholarly work was recognized and presented at various national conferences/outlets. Podcasting (two shows) and writing remain important aspects of his daily life as well as marathoning the latest Star Trek show(s).About enfleshedenfleshed has roots in liberationist and theo-poetic Christianities and has grown in multiple directions since 2017. we continue to companion those on the fringes of Christianity while also cultivating and participating in sacred spaces outside of singular or static religious identities.Resources + Links Mentioned in this EpisodeEnfleshed - spiritual nourishment for collective liberationBLACK IMAGINATION: BLACK VOICES ON BLACK FUTURES by Natasha Marin“Beautiful Possibilities” by Robert MonsonI Found God in Me: A Womanist Biblical Hermeneutics Reader edited by Mitzi J. Smith“I Do Not Dream of Labor” by Robert Monson“a poem for the daddy who never held me” by Robert MonsonWon’t You Celebrate With Me? by Lucille CliftonAll About Love by bell hooksAll the Black Girls Are Activists by Ebony Janice MooreThe Shack by William P. Young This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurengrubaughthomas.substack.com/subscribe