Imagination Redeemed

Where do books, movies, songs, etc. fit into how we face the hard realities of life? Should they be "positive and encouraging?" Should they relentlessly portray darkness just as it is?In this episode, we invite you into a recent Anselm Society lecture by Dr. Wesley Vander Lugt from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Meet Julian of Norwich! This medieval woman suffered more than most of us will in three lifetimes—and prayed for more. And the first part of her book, Revelations of Divine Love, unveils a deeply encouraging vision of God that’s worth meditating on.What makes Julian's hope so powerful is precisely that it doesn't deny or minimize suffering. Rather, her hope encompasses both the reality of present pain and the promise of ultimate restoration. In that space—between the 'already' of God's love and the 'not yet' of complete healing—we learn to hold both our joy and our weeping together.In this episode, the Imagination Redeemed podcast tackles the subject of this tricky mystic and goes on a search for hope.

Despair tempts most of us at times–and it’s easy to listen to. You don’t have a problem, you are the problem; everything bad that’s happened is the trajectory for the future. In the face of this voice in our heads, how can we remember the hope of our place in God’s story?In this episode of the Imagination Redeemed podcast, the hosts (and guest Elizabeth Bam) discuss stories from the Faerie Queen and the Shawshank Redemption in an exploration of how to battle despair.

Seasons of winter tend to paralyze us. We think we can’t move on until something changes. How can we learn to live well in those seasons, and participate in God’s work? Drawing from O. Henry’s short story “The Last Leaf,” Brian, Sarah, Amy, and Christina tackle this question in the newest episode of the Imagination Redeemed podcast.

Delve into the transformative power of storytelling and its role in shaping our identity and spirituality. Discover how narratives influence our emotions, brain development, and connections with God. Explore the healing potential of personal stories, especially for those facing mental health challenges. Learn about the communal aspect of faith and the importance of shared experiences in building a supportive church community. Finally, embrace the ordinary moments as divine gifts, highlighting the sacredness found in everyday life.

In this discussion, Michael Ward, a literary scholar and theologian acclaimed for his insights on C.S. Lewis, delves into the profound themes of joy and tears in Lewis's writings. He unpacks the symbolism of waterfalls, illustrating how they reflect spiritual truths and the beauty found in suffering. Ward examines how redemption emerges through emotional experiences, emphasizing the transformative power of both love and grief in Lewis's works. His insights paint a rich tapestry of imagination and depth, revealing the layers behind familiar narratives.

Chase Whitney, a church planter, discusses the significance of tears in our spiritual journey. He explores how joy and sorrow coexist, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the emotional weight of human experiences like marriage and parenthood. Whitney introduces the idea of 'liquid prayer,' emphasizing empathy in response to adversity. He illustrates how acknowledging grief can deepen one's joy and connection to God, showing that our tears invite divine compassion and healing.

Support the podcast: https://www.anselmsociety.org/podcast25 Months of planning and prep are almost finished, and in January, with your help, the first episodes of the NEW Imagination Redeemed podcast will drop.  It will be a feast: retellings of the great stories, and warm conversations on how to enter into the life of the Christian imagination. But to do it right, we need two things from you! Listen for more details on the new (and old) hosts, the updates to the format, and how you can help.

Michael Minkoff, associated with Renew the Arts, dives into the transformative power of imagination and art as tools for living a life reflective of heavenly values. He and Brian discuss how community engagement enriches the human experience and critiques the disconnect between art and consumerism. They explore the importance of humility in personal and artistic growth and share insights into how shared experiences can deepen connections and foster creativity. Plus, they even touch on the fascinating cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift!

Speaker Brian Brown from a Narnia conference discusses viewing the world as a reflection of God's design, bridging the gap between material reality and spiritual significance. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating the beauty and symbolism of creation, urging listeners to live sacramentally and steward the earth with a Christ-like perspective.