Karen Swallow Prior, Professor of English Literature, discusses the role of imagination in faith, redefining evangelicalism, and reviving enchantment in Christianity. They explore the power of literature, personal struggles within evangelical circles, and the impact of the evangelical imagination on beliefs. The conversation also touches on historical influences on domestic life, the importance of authentic conversion experiences, and finding hope and self-awareness within evangelicalism.
Imagination shapes faith beliefs and cultural assumptions in evangelicalism.
Personal testimonies in Christian faith require authenticity and discernment.
American evangelicalism faces challenges, emphasizing a need for compassionate values and renewal.
Deep dives
The Role of Imagination in Faith and Evangelicalism
Imagination plays a vital role in faith and understanding the term 'evangelical'. Karen discusses the deep influence of the imagination in shaping beliefs and cultural assumptions. She highlights the evolution of evangelicalism over 300 years and emphasizes the complexities of the movement, including its historical significance and potential for distortion.
The Importance of Personal Testimonies
Karen explores the significance of personal testimonies in Christian faith and their impact on individuals. She delves into the power of storytelling and the complexities surrounding sharing one's testimony. While advocating for the sharing of stories of faith, she warns against idolizing or distorting testimonies, emphasizing the need for authenticity and discernment.
Challenges Faced by American Evangelicalism
The current state of American evangelicalism faces multiple challenges, including political entanglements and controversial associations. Karen reflects on the intersection of evangelicalism with power structures and the implications of such affiliations. She discusses the need for a shift towards compassionate and inclusive values within evangelical circles to address the crisis of faith.
The Transformative Power of Literature in Understanding God's Story
Literature, according to Karen, serves as a powerful tool to understand God's story and the complexities of faith. She emphasizes the value of engaging with rich, nuanced narratives to deepen spiritual understanding. By exploring diverse themes and perspectives in literature, individuals can exercise their imaginations and gain insight into the divine narrative.
Hope and Renewal Amidst Crisis in Evangelicalism
In the face of challenges and disillusionment within evangelicalism, Karen advocates for hope and renewal. She envisions a transformative shift within the movement, emphasizing the need for compassion, mercy, and a renewed focus on core Christian values. Despite the present turmoil, she expresses faith in a forthcoming period of revitalization and growth.
Karen Swallow Prior is a Professor of English Literature and an award-winning author. Her most recent book is 'The Evangelical Imagination: How stories, images and metaphors created a culture in Crisis’.
Belle and Justin speak to Karen about the role of the imagination in faith, what the term evangelical means today and whether it can be re-enchanted…
For Re-Enchanting: https://www.seenandunseen.com/podcast
There’s more to life than the world we can see. Re-Enchanting is a podcast from Seen & Unseen recorded at Lambeth Palace Library, the home of the Centre for Cultural Witness. Justin Brierley and Belle Tindall engage faith and spirituality with leading figures in science, history, politics, art and education. Can our culture be re-enchanted by the vision of Christianity?