Imagination Redeemed

Does Father Christmas belong in Narnia? Brian picks a fight, we continue Lewis and Tolkien's debate, and along the way, we hit on how to portray morality in literature, and even the true meaning of Christmas gifts.

After a trip to France ruins Heidi for normal life, the group discusses food, art, and why hospitality has always played a central role in Anselm Society gatherings.

Therapist, songwriter, and priest Josh Bales thinks Christians can get to a healthier place when it comes to bringing together mental health, faith, and science.

In this lecture from Anselm's 2019 Rocky Mountain Artists' Retreat, Lancia Smith explores the relationship between being true to your calling, and loving your neighbor--and reveals how relationships can strengthen our calling.

Jeromie Rand, a pastor and computer science teacher, discusses the powerful synergy between faith and creativity. He emphasizes viewing God as the ultimate audience in artistic endeavors, which can expand creative horizons. Jeromie shares his own journey of overcoming housing challenges, highlighting the importance of community. He also reflects on how art can embody a gospel-shaped imagination, fostering deeper connections to beauty and meaning, and underscores the notion of returning one’s art to God as an act of gratitude.

Lancia Smith, a speaker at the Anselm Annual Artists Retreat, shares her insights on art, identity, and faith alongside Matt Burnett, who delves into personal and theological aspects of vocation. They explore whether being an artist is an eternal identity and discuss the balance between inner reflection and societal engagement in discovering one's purpose. The conversation also tackles mental health, the significance of beauty in understanding God, and how community fosters creative growth, all while emphasizing the redemptive power of art.

A few years ago, Phil Ryken wrote a satirical list of how to make your church an unhealthy place for artists. We noticed that a lot of the things on the list would also apply to pastors! In this episode, we explore the gulf that often separates pastors and artists...and wonder if it's not nearly as wide as one might think.

At Imagination Redeemed 2019, Amber Salladin led this breakout group in an interactive and song-filled exploration of the singing community. Amber joined us from Manhattan, where she is the music director at Emmanual Anglican Church, and pianist and conductor for various choirs and orchestras. 

At Imagination Redeemed 2019, Junius Johnson delivered this lecture on the "sacred theater" of art for the fallen world. We bring the divine to the ordinary, because there is no such thing as “ordinary.” 

Join John Skillen, a Gordon College professor and art historian, as he explores the transformative power of art in Christian communities. Skillen dives into the historical significance of art in worship, highlighting its ability to deepen communal faith experiences. He discusses how visual representations can enhance preaching and catechesis, while examining iconic artworks' theological themes. Additionally, Skillen emphasizes the need for a broader artistic expression within church practices to foster engagement and connection in today's skeptical culture.