Neotopia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded by Jillian Mason Shannon.

Jillian is a theologian and educator whose work explores the intersection of theology and culture. She serves as an adjunct professor of Religious Studies. She holds a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Spirituality at Oblate School of Theology.

Neotopia exists to bridge religion and culture and reintroduce a healthy, intellectual, and life-giving vision of religion to a generation that rarely encounters it at its depth.

Derived from the Greek words neo (new) and topos (place), Neotopia is not a church, not a school, but a new place to explore theology. Through webinars, community gatherings, and books, Neotopia creates space for open curiosity and growth.

While drawing from multiple faith traditions, much of Neotopia's work focuses on Christianity—reclaiming it from its cultural captivity and offering fresh perspectives that allow people to heal and cultivate deeper reflections on what it means to be human.

Neotopia Books extends this mission through a carefully curated collection of theology, philosophy, art, fashion, and culture.

Every book is carefully endorsed, making Neotopia a trusted resource and a sanctuary for skeptics and seekers.

Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know about new stock, classes and events.

For inquiries and collaborations:

jillian@neotopiabooks.com

Rev. Dr. Mason is a Christian theologian and pastor in Dallas, Texas, where he served as Senior Pastor of the Wilshire Baptist Church from 1989 to 2022. He is the author of The Word Made Fresh, released in 2023.

George is also the Lead Advisor for the Baptist House of Studies at Perkins School of Theology (SMU), where he is an adjunct professor. He is a past convenor of Faith Forward Dallas and participates in numerous local and global ecumenical and interfaith endeavors. He is a contributor to The Dallas Morning News on subjects of public interest that intersect with religion, such as public education, racial justice, predatory lending and climate change.

George lives in Dallas with his wife, Kim. They share three children and eight grandchildren.

Taylor Foots is the Exhibit Space Supervisor at the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum. She is an avid fan and lover of history, art, and culture. She loved going to Neotopia and participating in their events and programming in the past as a patron who heard about the concept on Instagram, and since then has helped support Neotopia and Jillian in any way she can.

Taylor grew up in a military family and has lived and traveled all over the world. She currently lives in San Antonio with her cat Miso, and is also a certified yoga teacher.

Zac Walker is an international event producer and nonprofit fundraiser based in New York City, where he lives with his husband, Rob, and French bulldog, Gloria. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, he's proudly called New York home for the past 20 years. Zac also serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Jefferson Market Garden, a beloved historic garden in the heart of Greenwich Village. Outside of work, he's always chasing culture—catching live theater, reading contemporary fiction, and exploring the Chelsea galleries.

Taylor Bates is an artist, writer, and nonprofit leader based in San Antonio with more than fifteen years of experience in arts education, cultural programming, and community-centered work. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Education from The University of Texas at Austin and has worked across nonprofit and arts institutions, including serving as Director of Programs & Exhibitions at Artpace San Antonio. Taylor currently helps lead Sunset Ridge Church & Collective and is thrilled to serve on Neotopia’s board in support of its vision to create physical and online spaces that invite curiosity, conversation, and thoughtful engagement with religion and culture.

Terri Pease is a co-founder of the 412 Project, an organization that equips churches and non-profits to live into their calling through financial services, strategic planning, and coaching. She holds a business degree from Texas A&M University and has a Master of Arts in Theology and Mission from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. Terri and her husband, Robert, have been married since 2005 and are raising three teenagers, JD, Anna, and Claire.

George Cowden has practiced law in San Antonio since 1979. He met his wife, Shirley, at Baylor from where they graduated in 1976. Their two children and their families live in Tyler, TX. George teaches a Sunday School class at Woodland Church called Cynics, Mystics, and Other Pilgrims.