Imagination Redeemed

Hans Boersma discusses the transformative power of music in reflecting Christ through Psalms. He explores how the church fathers interpreted Psalms and the sacramental nature of biblical texts. Boersma also delves into Christ's portrayal in Psalms, the patristic views on music, and the interconnectedness of Christ, music, Bible, and virtue in Christian faith.

If an artist visited your church, how would they know they'd be welcome? How does a congregation become a place known for its hospitality to artists? How can church leaders foster ministries that nurture artists, so that the arts become not simply a fun add-on or gimmick, but an integral part of the life of the church? In this episode, we talk about five things we've seen churches do to become artist-friendly places.

What does it mean to create art for church worship? In this panel discussion from the Imagination Redeemed 2019 conference, Hans Boersma, John Skillen, Junius Johnson, and Brian Brown discuss sacred art: what it is, how we lost it, and how we can bring beauty back into our sanctuaries.

Father Matt, a guest speaker focused on integrating art and sermons into spiritual formation, shares profound insights on how beauty enriches worship. He explores the transformative power of imagination in faith, emphasizing storytelling's role in understanding scripture, particularly through the Chronicles of Narnia. The conversation highlights the necessity of communal experiences in fostering encounters with God and the impact of diverse ideas on spiritual education. Father Matt advocates for a holistic approach, weaving art into church practices to enhance faith.

In this engaging discussion, Joel Clarkson, a film score composer, writer, and theologian, explores the essential role of beauty in Christianity. He argues that beauty is crucial for enriching worship and spiritual practice. Topics include the transformative power of music in liturgy, the theological connections between beauty and faith, and the legacy of figures like Anselm and Aquinas in understanding divine encounters. Clarkson highlights how beauty evokes longing for transcendence and fosters deeper relationships with the divine.

Ancia Smith, a speaker renowned for her insights on Christian imagination, joins Joel Clarkson, a thoughtful voice in exploring faith and creativity. They dive into what it means to have a Christian imagination in a predominantly secular world. The conversation explores the transformation through faith, the disconnect in artistic expression from Christian influences, and how literature reflects themes of guilt and redemption. They also discuss the importance of community in creative endeavors and the need for a renaissance in Christian perspectives.

Imagination isn't about fantasy, nor is it the province of artists. In this episode, we debate imagination's role in how we understand the world around us...and how we live.

A mini-episode introducing the hosts, the story behind Redeemed Imagination, and what to expect.