In this podcast I explore how images influence our understanding of reality and the sacred through conversations with thought leaders on art, visual culture, and religion. Each episode delves into a different area of visual theology, opening to spiritual wisdom while deconstructing an image-saturated world.
You can also access all episodes in Radix Magazine.
Podcast Platforms
Listen and subscribe on your favorite apps
EPISODE 1
W. David O. Taylor
New Creation and the Artist's Role
David is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author, editor and co-editor of numerous books on art and Christianity. In addition, he has written a range of scholarly essays, lectured widely on the arts and produced a short film on the psalms.
In this episode, David and I discussed the biblical concept of new creation and how it applies to the making and experience of art. We also talked about the fundamental place of creativity in human life and some of the ways that art can help heal a broken world.
EPISODE 3
Matthew J. Milliner
Images of Mary
Matthew is associate professor of art history at Wheaton College. He holds an M.A. & Ph.D. in art history from Princeton University, and a Master in Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Matthew is a five-time appointee to the Curatorial Advisory Board of the United States Senate, and was awarded a Commonwealth fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture at the University of Virginia. He has written for publications ranging from The New York Times to First Things, and is author of The Everlasting People and the recently published Mother of the Lamb.
In this episode, Matthew and I sat down to discuss issues around the depiction of the Mother of God. We also talked about the influence of Marian images on Christian faith and Mary’s place in relation to contemporary images.
EPISODE 2
Wilson Yates
History and Legacy of Visual Theology
Wilson Yates is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion, Society and the Arts at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. He is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church with dual standing in the United Church of Christ. He has been a visiting scholar at Cambridge University and Yale Divinity School, and a visiting professor at Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley.
In this episode, I invited Wilson to speak about the history and legacy of Visual Theology in modern times. We discussed how the field has evolved and what it has meant for our understanding of the relationship between art and religion today.
EPISODE 4
Natalie Carnes
Iconoclasm, Beauty and Aesthetics
Natalie is a constructive theologian interested in how Christian doctrine can speak to the complexities of modern life. Drawing on literary and visual works, she interprets theological ideas together with a range of themes, including images, iconoclasm, beauty, gender, and feminism. She trained at Harvard, the University of Chicago, and Duke before arriving at Baylor University, where she is currently the Associate Professor of Theology in the Religion Department and an affiliated faculty member of Women’s and Gender Studies.
In this episode, Natalie and I discussed the controversy around public monuments, and the ways that beauty can be approached from a Christian perspective. We also talked about feminist theology and the relationship between asceticism and abundance.
EPISODE 5
Peter Bouteneff
Orthodox Christianity and Sacred Art
Peter teaches courses in theology, spirituality, and the arts at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he is professor of systematic theology and founding director of the Institute of Sacred Arts. His books include Sweeter than Honey: Orthodox Thinking on Dogma and Truth, Beginnings: Ancient Christian Readings on the Biblical Creation Narratives, Arvo Pärt: Out of Silence, and How to Be a Sinner: Finding Yourself in the Language of Repentance.
In this episode, Peter shares his knowledge and experience with Orthodox Christianity and we discuss what makes an image or object sacred. He also clarifies some common misconceptions regarding differences between the Western and Eastern Churches.
EPISODE 6
Father Garabed Kochakian
Visual Theology in the Armenian Church
Father Garabed Kochakian has authored several books for the Diocesan Department of Christian Education about Ecumenism in the Armenian Church and published books on Art and Iconography in the Armenian Church. As a specialist in Armenian Sacred Art and Theology, Father Garabed presently delivers lectures on Armenian Art, Illuminated manuscripts, and Armenian Ecclesiastical Architecture to various groups and parishes of the Diocese and for universities. He has painted Icons for seven of the parishes in the Eastern Diocese and continues to paint Icons and Illuminations in the Armenian tradition.
In this episode, Father Garabed and I discussed the images, objects, and architecture of our shared Armenian Apostolic Christianity.