The Habit

Pastor Brian Zahnd and Jonathan Rogers discuss theopoetics, aesthetics in the church, and the significance of crosses. They explore atonement theories, admiration for inspirational figures, and the importance of beauty in evangelism. The conversation touches on theopoetics in theological dialogues, Fra Angelico's Crucifixion Fresco, and the influence of authors like Dostoevsky on Zahnd's writing.

Sarah Arthur has written and published a dozen books over the last twenty years or so, but her new book, Once a Queen, is her first foray into fiction. Once a Queen is a portal fantasy with clear connections to the books of E. Nesbit, The Secret Garden, and the Chronicles of Narnia. In this conversation, Sarah and Jonathan Rogers talk about literary influences (both conscious and unconscious), writers’ groups, and being “a spy for hope.”Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andi Ashworth and Charlie Peacock live at the intersection of hospitality and creativity. This husband and wife duo founded Art House America, a unique artistic hub of rich hospitality, conversations of consequence, and imaginative creativity. Charlie is a Grammy-winning record producer. Andi is an author, a mentor, and a paragon of hospitality. Together they wrote a new book, Why Everything that Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much. In this conversation, Andi and Charlie speak with Jonathan Rogers about the idea of cultivating a life of the mind while being firmly planted in our flesh-and-bone, earthly existence. We talk about the ways that "Love can be the trustworthy basis of imaginative and creative good.” And we talk about Andi’s journaling practice, among other things.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy F. Davis Abdallah and Jonathan Rogers discuss the power of rituals, exploring how they shape beliefs and behaviors. They delve into rites of passage for women and the symbolism of inaugurations. The episode highlights the transformative power of rituals, emphasizing their ability to communicate meaning beyond information.

Mike Cosper is the director of podcasting for Christianity Today, where he hosts The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill and Cultivated: A Podcast About Faith and Work. He is the author of several books, most recently Land of My Sojourn: The Landscape of a Faith Lost and Found.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allen Levi, a multi-talented singer-songwriter, storyteller, lawyer, judge, and novelist, shares his rich journey from law to creative endeavors. He discusses the power of personal storytelling and the importance of human connection, particularly through acts of kindness. Levi highlights the creative challenges of small-town life and how genuine relationships foster authentic narratives. He reflects on overcoming fears in writing and the influence of esteemed authors in shaping his craft, all while urging listeners to embrace bravery in their own stories.

Greg Wilbur is Founder and Dean of Students at New College Franklin. A composer and  church musician, he recently released a new album of hymns and psalms called Securely I Will Dwell: Songs for the Church. In this episode, Greg and Jonathan Rogers talk about collaboration, friendship, and writing for the local church.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace Hamman is a writer and independent scholar of Middle English contemplative writing and poetry. She is also the host of the podcast, Old Books with Grace. Her first book is Jesus through Medieval Eyes: Beholding Christ with the Artists, Mystics, and Theologians of the Middle Ages. In this episode Dr. Hamman and Jonathan Rogers talk about the gift of surprise, the discipline of openness, and old books as a guard against chronological snobbery.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Clarkson, author of Aggressively Happy, discusses the power of metaphors in shaping our worldview, emphasizing the balance between linguistic accuracy and human understanding. They explore metaphors like 'You're a Tree' from Scripture and discuss the impact of metaphors on human behavior, emotions, and epistemological humility. The conversation also reflects on the need for nurturing and resilience in human growth cycles, drawing inspiration from influential writers like G.K. Chesterton and Elena Ferrante.

Brian Brown, founder of The Anselm Society, discusses creation, order, and subcreating with Jonathan Rogers. They explore the Christian imagination, cultivating creativity, and the impact of influential writers on creativity. The podcast delves into the role of humans in bringing order and goodness to the world.