Pastor Brian Zahnd and Jonathan Rogers discuss theopoetics, aesthetics in the church, and the significance of crosses. They explore atonement theories, admiration for inspirational figures, and the importance of beauty in evangelism. The conversation touches on theopoetics in theological dialogues, Fra Angelico's Crucifixion Fresco, and the influence of authors like Dostoevsky on Zahnd's writing.
Embrace theopoetics to explore the cross from varied perspectives beyond atonement theories.
Leverage aesthetics and beauty in church spaces for evocative engagement and compelling evangelism.
Deep dives
Exploring the Kaleidoscopic Examination of the Cross
The podcast episode delves into the kaleidoscopic examination of the cross as discussed in Brian Zond's book, 'The Wood Between the Worlds.' Zond emphasizes the need to avoid reducing theological discussions about the cross to a single atonement theory, opting instead for varied perspectives presented in the 19 chapters of his book. By likening the examination to a kaleidoscope, Zond highlights the importance of presenting different views that spark honest conversations around the significance of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion.
Embracing Theopoetics and Aesthetic Depth in Theological Conversations
The podcast conversation with Brian Zond explores the concept of theopoetics and the role of aesthetics within the church. Zond advocates for a broader engagement with theological conversations beyond academic prose, drawing inspiration from the poetic elements prevalent in the Bible. By embracing a theopoetic approach, which includes poetry, literature, film, painting, and music, Zond encourages a more nuanced and evocative exploration of the ineffable nature of God and the cross.
Advocating for Beauty as a Powerful Evangelistic Tool
The podcast episode underscores the significance of beauty, particularly in evangelical contexts. Brian Zond emphasizes the power of beauty in evoking emotional responses and fostering connections that transcend doctrinal debates. He suggests that cultivating beauty in church spaces and lifestyle practices can serve as a compelling form of evangelism that may resonate with individuals in ways that traditional apologetics or ethical arguments might not. Zond encourages writers to strive for beautiful expression, recognizing its potential to communicate profound truths and engage audiences on a deeper level.
When pastor Brian Zahnd was walking five hundred miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, he contemplated hundreds of crosses and crucifixes. He asked the question, "What does this mean? Why is the image of a man nailed to a tree the most commonly represented story-image in the world?" Those ruminations gave rise to his new book, The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross. In this episode, Brian Zahnd and Jonathan Rogers talk about theopoetics, the eternal recurrence of holy awe, and the role of aesthetics in the life of the church.