9. Paul Kingsnorth & Martin Shaw: A poet and mythologist convert
Dec 26, 2023
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Renowned poet and author Paul Kingsnorth and mythologist Martin Shaw discuss their unexpected conversions to Christianity. They explore their journey from mythology and storytelling to their newfound faith. The speakers also discuss their connection to nature, disillusionment with the mainstream environmental movement, and desire for a deeper connection with the natural world. Martin Shaw shares his love for storytelling and the power of words. They reflect on their childhood engagement with storytelling, the unique aspects of the Sermon on the Mount, and the influence of C.S. Lewis on their thinking. Finally, they delve into the significance of personal encounters with a higher power and the shift from individualistic Christianity to understanding oneself as part of a larger story.
The speaker's exploration of mythology and folklore outside of traditional Christianity led them to discover joy and complexity in Irish stories, Russian fairy tales, and other mythic traditions.
A transformative experience fasting for four days and nights on a mountain opened the speaker's eyes to the power of stillness, solitude, and listening to the inner voice, leading to significant changes in their life.
Encountering a strange, beautifully colored object during a forest vigil prompted the speaker to embrace Christianity and find a spiritual home in Eastern Orthodoxy, where the ancient liturgy reveals the power and presence of God.
Deep dives
Growing up with a tamed version of Christianity
From a young age, the speaker felt a disconnect between the domesticated version of Christianity they were exposed to and the wild, untamed sense of faith they longed for.
Exploring alternative mythologies and stories
The speaker found solace in exploring mythology, folklore, and other stories outside of traditional Christianity. They were drawn to the joy and complexity found in Irish stories, Russian fairy tales, and other mythic traditions.
An encounter in Stodonia
At the age of 23, the speaker had a transformative experience fasting for four days and nights on a mountain in Stodonia. This experience opened their eyes to the power of stillness, solitude, and listening to the still small voice within.
Living in a tent and embracing the wild
Following their epiphany, the speaker made significant changes in their life, including giving up their music career, living in a tent for four years, and exploring a more unconventional and untamed way of being.
Encountering a Shatteringly Beautiful Mystery
During a 101-day vigil in a forest, the speaker experienced a profound encounter when a strange, beautifully colored object landed near them. This encounter, which lasted only seconds, led them to embrace Christianity after years of exploring various mythologies. The speaker acknowledges the uniqueness and site-specificity of the Christian story compared to other mythologies. They reflect on the tension between wildness and discipline within Christianity, and ultimately find a spiritual home in Eastern Orthodoxy, where they discover the power and presence of God through the ancient liturgy.
Rediscovering the Epic in Christianity
Drawing parallels with C.S. Lewis, the speaker recognizes the influence of Lewis's journey from ancient mythology to Christianity. They note the power of recognizing Jesus as the true myth and experiencing the depth of Christian storytelling. The speaker reflects on the tension between the individualistic and epic aspects of Christianity, highlighting the importance of recognizing oneself as a part of a larger story. They find solace in Eastern Orthodoxy, where the ritual and formality of the divine liturgy provide a deeper experience of the imminence of God and help regulate their ego.
Why are poets and storytellers being drawn towards Christ? In this bonus episode Justin speaks to two adult converts to Christianity whose stories overlap in remarkable ways.
Celebrated poet and author Paul Kingsnorth, and mythologist and storyteller Martin Shaw, both had unexpected conversions that have led them into the Orthodox church.