Imagination Redeemed

In this engaging discussion, storyteller Matthew Clark, known for his captivating readings, and musician Christina Brown, who enriches the conversation with insights on hospitality, dive into the concept of pusillanimity, or 'smallness of soul.' They explore how comparison and societal pressures can stifle generosity. Through Tolstoy's tale of Martin the cobbler, the duo emphasizes that true generosity arises from identity, not resources. They highlight the importance of face-to-face encounters and the courage to act, encouraging listeners to embrace magnanimity in everyday life.

The hosts delve into W.H. Auden's captivating poem, exploring its vivid imagery and the contrasting energy that mirrors the holiday rush. They discuss the post-Christmas blues, revealing how Auden captures that familiar letdown. A fascinating take on the interwoven themes of the Lord's Prayer showcases the beauty in simple petitions. Listeners can also look forward to recommended readings on theology, along with details about an upcoming online course. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt final reading of Auden's work.

A little end-of-Advent treat for you!

"Joy and suffering are interconnected."What if joviality isn't just a personality trait—but a virtue we're called to cultivate? In our newest Imagination Redeemed episode, Joffre Swait takes us on a journey through the story of St. Nicholas to explore how generosity, celebration, and community can restore our capacity for joy—even in a culture that's forgotten how to be grateful.We talk about: ✨ Why joy and suffering are inseparable 👑 How joviality reflects a kingly nature 🎉 The role of celebration in cultivating gratitude 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How to parent with joviality (without pretending suffering doesn't exist)This conversation is an invitation to rediscover the deep comedy at the heart of existence—and to claim your place in it.

Brian and Sarah break down our plans for the next three months of the podcast, reflect on divine abundance and the scandal of the incarnation, and more.

Explore the intertwining of grief and hope through Tolkien's Ainulindalë. Discover how sorrow can be woven into a beautiful harmony rather than a discord. The hosts discuss the powerful concept of a 'third theme' that embraces both joy and ache. Delve into literary reflections that highlight longing and the promise of renewal, using autumn as a metaphor for beauty and change. Learn how to find meaning in struggles, transforming pain into a richer understanding of life’s story.

Many of the conditions of Middle-earth in its Third Age mirror those of our own day: grapples for power, technological advances used for good and ill, and a high opinion in many circles of efficiency and maximized production. What does a feast signify and entail in such times? Earlier this fall the Anselm Society had the privilege of gathering for our fall retreat. Part of this retreat was focused on extended workshops; a time to be filled, to grow in knowledge or craft, and connect our vocations to the life of God. What you are about to hear is one of our speakers from our morning workshops, Amy Baik Lee.  Amy takes the time to linger at three festal tables in The Lord of the Rings, drawing what we can learn from them about the practice of sharing art, celebration, and fellowship — and ponder why this practice is vital to the journey of the Church and its saints.We are delighted to share this incredible talk. If you want access to the other five and a half hours of content from the fall retreat workshops, consider becoming a monthly partner at any level, and we will send you the complete video recordings as a ‘thank you.’ (Anselmsociety.org/fallgiving)

Join Jeremiah England, a reflective participant on cultural practices and parenting, as he explores the delicate balance between traditions and modern Christian engagement. They discuss fears surrounding Halloween and death, debunk myths about the holiday's origins, and uncover the history of Hallowtide. Jeremiah offers practical ways to reclaim Halloween with Christian meaning, emphasizing the importance of honoring parents and engaging culture thoughtfully. Dive into how rituals shape community identity and inspire hope in the face of death.

Brian Brown, Matthew Clark, and Terri Moon continue their conversation, exploring the concept of 'we songs' in worship, songs that connect congregants to God and each other. In this episode, we discuss the importance of melody, accessibility, and the role of instruments in creating a hospitable worship environment, one that instills confidence in the normal congregant and that inherently prioritizes the voice of the congregation. Within that framework, we delve into how singing serves as a spiritual discipline, the significance of familiar songs, and the need for crafting music that encourages congregational participation. Chapters00:24 Introduction to We Songs01:32 The Purpose of We Songs02:01 The Composition of We Songs02:51 Melody and Accessibility03:39 The Role of Instruments in Worship04:48 Hospitality in Worship06:13 The Voice of the People07:03 Worship Wars and Music Choices07:30 Cultural Context in Worship Music08:57 Fostering Congregational Singing09:31 The Role of the Worship Leader10:18 Musical Hosting and Participation11:19 Different Musical Traditions12:45 Call and Response in Worship13:38 Learning and Growth in Worship14:54 Navigating Musical Preferences16:32 Voice First Composition17:08 The Importance of Simplicity18:40 The Role of the Organ20:00 Historical Context of Worship Music22:19 Fostering Confidence in Singing23:29 The Challenge of New Songs25:20 The Structure of Worship Songs26:38 Familiarity and Participation28:51 Songwriting for Accessibility29:05 The Songwriting Process and Accountability31:09 The Role of Corporate Singing in the Church35:34 Singing as a Spiritual Discipline39:35 The Importance of Familiar Songs43:12 Crafting Songs for Congregational Participation47:03 The Relationship Between Melody and Lyrics50:12 Understanding Sacred and Common Art53:55 The Vision of the Church and the Role of Music

In 386 AD, an Italian bishop taught his congregation to sing—and their voices held off an imperial army. Why do some songs have the power to unite us, remind us who we are, and give us courage in dark times? And how can we get more of them?Join Brian Brown, Matthew Clark, and Terri Moon as they explore the lost art of "we" songs—hymns and ballads that connect us to God, to each other, and to the great story we're all part of.