Redeemed Imagination

In our continuing series discussing the unique call of the Christian artist ("centric genius"), Brian talks with John Skillen about the ways in which the church used to create art together...and just maybe, how it can do so again.

In which Brian, Heidi, and Lancia summarize the concept of the "centric genius" and discuss its implications for both artists and churches. In this, the second part, we get into the implications for church, and whether we have to give up being "weirdos."

In which Brian, Heidi, and Lancia summarize the concept of the "centric genius" and discuss its implications for both artists and churches.

What is a centric genius? Why does Christianity need more of them? In this episode of director's notes, Brian Brown tees up our entire winter-spring content series.

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.

In this lecture from Anselm's 2019 Rocky Mountain Artists' Retreat, Father Jeromie Rand from Denver's Church of the Advent explores how learning how to love God through your craft can unleash the full potential of who you were made to be.

Fresh off the 2019 Rocky Mountain Artists' Retreat, we pick up some threads from the retreat: is "artist" something you'll be for eternity? Should you look inward or outward as you seek to answer the question, "who am I?" And what does it mean for God to redeem and perfect your creative work?

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.” 

At Imagination Redeemed 2019, John Skillen delivered this lecture on the historical role of art in shaping Christian communities. Skillen focused on how to move beyond the narrow bounds of the art typically used in church today, to a wider spectrum of art forms and uses, designed to do one thing: build the people of God.

At the Imagination Redeemed 2019 conference, Hans Boersma gave this lecture on the Psalms and worship to kick off the weekend. Boersma dwelt on sacred art, created for the central activity of the church for all eternity: corporate worship. In worship, we remember who we are, the heavenly tapestry in which we have been invited to participate; and we encounter God Himself, by Whom all things were made.

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.

What is the role of art in spiritual formation? What does it look like to form Christians? Maybe the pastor and his sermons don't have to be quite so alone in that task.

Does beauty matter? If you're listening to this podcast, you probably think the answer is obvious. But would you go so far as to say it is essential to Christianity? Is it, in fact, impossible to do Christianity well without it? In this episode, we argue exactly that.

What is a Christian imagination? Is it the same thing as a Christian worldview? In this episode, we explore how it is possible to be a practicing Christian yet still see the world through mostly secular eyes--and imagine what it would be like if a renaissance of the Christian imagination actually took place.