Re-enchanting... Visions, dreams & storytelling - Martin Shaw
Jan 31, 2024
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Renowned storyteller and mythologist, Martin Shaw, shares his journey of rediscovering Christianity and the power of storytelling. They discuss the impact of myth, the importance of oral tradition, and finding a soulful life. They also explore the connection between mythology and the life of Jesus, emphasizing the uniqueness of Christ's teachings and the importance of enchantment in spirituality.
Christianity can be re-enchanted by embracing the richness of myths and dreams.
Dreams and visions hold transformative power and can lead to a deeper connection with the divine.
Embracing beauty, storytelling, and a sense of wonder can revive and re-enchant Christianity.
Deep dives
The Power of Myths: Re-Enchanting a Secular Culture
In this podcast episode, Dr. Martin Shoe explores the idea of re-enchanting a secular material culture with the Christian vision of reality. Dr. Shoe, a renowned storyteller and mythologist, shares his own personal journey and encounter with Christianity. He explains that myths are sacred stories that allow us to organize our lives around deeper truths and existential questions. He emphasizes the beauty and power of myths in conveying profound truths that go beyond mere facts. Dr. Shoe also highlights the uniqueness of Christianity as a dream and a myth made fact, with Jesus as an extraordinary figure who defies the archetypal patterns found in other mythologies. He envisions a re-enchantment of Christianity by embracing the richness of myths and dreams, and encourages older Christians to actively participate in this process.
Discovering the Unexpected in Dreams and Visions
Dr. Martin Shoe delves into the power of dreams and visions as transformative experiences. He draws parallels between the stories in the Bible, such as Joseph's dreams, and the transformative nature of dreams in our own lives. Dr. Shoe highlights the disorienting and uncorralled aspects of dreams that can bring forth profound moments of encounter with the divine. He emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a hierarchical and lyric Christianity towards a dream-like vision that goes beyond rational understanding. Dr. Shoe encourages individuals to embrace and share their own dreams, visions, and stories, as they may hold the key to a re-enchanting of Christianity and a deeper connection with the divine.
The Role of Saints and Elders in Re-Enchanting Christianity
Dr. Martin Shoe discusses the role of saints and elders in the process of re-enchanting Christianity. He suggests that saints, as transformative individuals, can inspire and challenge us to live differently. Dr. Shoe emphasizes the importance of becoming saints ourselves by embodying the character and teachings of Jesus. He also encourages older Christians to actively participate in re-enchanting Christianity, as their wisdom and experience can bring valuable insights to the journey. Dr. Shoe envisions a Christianity that is not just lyric but epic, encompassing both personal encounters with the divine and a collective vision that inspires and transforms lives.
Returning to the Dream: Rediscovering Mysticism and Beauty
Dr. Martin Shoe calls for a return to the dream and the rediscovery of mysticism and beauty in Christianity. He reflects on the loss of enchantment in modern Christian culture and the need to embrace the mysterious, spiritual dimensions of faith. Dr. Shoe highlights the value of encounters with beauty, the power of storytelling, and the significance of liturgy in re-enchanting Christianity. He suggests that a revival of the mystical, contemplative traditions can awaken a deeper experience of faith and a closer connection with the divine. Dr. Shoe urges Christians to move beyond a culture of mass entertainment and embrace the transformative power of beauty and wonder.
Hope and Wonder in Extraordinary Times
Dr. Martin Shoe offers a message of hope and encouragement in the midst of challenging times. He acknowledges the presence of peril and negative news in the world but emphasizes that wonder and beauty are also ever-present. Dr. Shoe calls on Christians to become 'praise-makers' and find things seeking to be admired in the world. He encourages individuals to open their minds and imaginations, engage with the world and find ways to connect with God through nature, art, and creativity. Dr. Shoe believes that embracing wonder and cultivating a sense of awe can lead to spiritual revival and re-enchantment in Christianity.
Martin Shaw is a renowned storyteller and mythologist, who in the last couple of years has his own quite extraordinary conversion story to tell.
After many years as a poet, author and teaching others through the West Country school of myth, Martin had a visionary encounter that confounded all his expectations.
Martin is now a Christian but sees this homecoming as a fulfilment of a life invested in mythology and storytelling. He tells Justin and Belle his story as they discuss storytelling, mythology and rediscovering Christianity as a ‘dream’.
For Martin Shaw: https://drmartinshaw.com/
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?
