Funknology
A Synthesis of Art, Science, and Being
by Jimi Calhoun
Imprint: Cascade Books
Funk is an African American musical genre that causes the average listener to have an uncontrollable desire to move their feet and dance. Funknology is a synthesis of ideas designed to cause the average reader to have an irresistible urge to move their heart. As we battle the complexities of race, and the impact poor race relations have had on society, this book will prove to be a timely read. Regardless of how much thought you have given to recent racial tensions--or how active you have been in working toward solutions for them--this book will inspire you to find ways to move your feet and your heart in the direction of a Funknology of Hope, meaning long-lasting reconciliation.
Jimi Calhoun is an author, minister, and musician. He is a pastor at Bridging Austin, A Reconciling Community in Austin, Texas. He is the author of A Story of Rhythm and Grace, (2018), The Art of God (2015), and The Sounds of Love and Grace (2020). He is an internationally known recording artist as a member of Rare Earth, Dr. John, The Buddy Miles Regiment, and Funkadelic. He sits on the boards of three non-profit organizations.
“Beginning with James Brown, the ‘Godfather of Soul,’ Jimi Calhoun challenges us to consider what we’re doing in the life of God the Father of us all. While we spend much time and energy worrying about what God is doing in our lives, upturning the table would help us learn to pursue deep relationships with people different than us. Turns out that ‘being love’ is funknology at its zenith.”
—Ralph Moore, church planter and author of Making Disciples: Developing Lifelong Followers of Jesus
“In a world where prejudice and assumption divide, where racial injustice remains a dominant and damaging lens, Funknology offers us a dynamic for dialogue across boundaries. Dancing on the borders between art, science, and spiritual belonging, Funknology brings us a new language for addressing racial division that will move your body, mind, and spirit in the direction of justice, peace, and reconciliation. This is a hugely important contribution to the most pressing issue of our time.”
—Ruth Harvey, Leader, the Iona Community
“Funknology is a timely, accessible, and very important book. Its wide-ranging analysis of art and music culture, its understanding of cognitive science and perception, and its inspirational message through the lens of ‘funk’ helped me see deeply into issues of culture, race, and faith in ways that I simply didn’t see before. This warm, engaging book challenges the reader to think about new ways of living together in peace in our very divisive, complicated era.”
—Stephen Kinney, Founder, the Front Porch Project, Austin, Texas
Related Titles
