Our Church Speaks

Episode 22 - Art, beauty, and the Christian imagination (with special guest Dr. Lanta Davis)

10 snips
Feb 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Lanta Davis, a Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University and author of "Becoming by Beholding," delves into the impact of Christian art on spiritual formation. She explores how imagination enriches faith and emphasizes the need for truthful representations in modern Christian art. The conversation reveals the unsettling beauty found in faith and the vital role of saints, particularly women, in inspiring believers. They tackle how art nurtures community and invites deeper connections to divine love, urging a reevaluation of beauty in spirituality.
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ANECDOTE

Book's Origin

  • Lanta Davis's book arose from teaching a sacramental imagination class and her travels, especially in Rome.
  • The city's design, emphasizing a Christian imagination, inspired her to share her fascination with Christian art and architecture.
INSIGHT

Past Christians' Vision

  • Looking through the eyes of past Christians offers a broader gospel perspective.
  • It remedies our present-focused worldview, offering collective wisdom and alternative paths.
INSIGHT

Imagination and Reality

  • Imagination shapes our reality and how we make sense of our lives.
  • It's not an escape, but rather how we construct our understanding of our place in the world.
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