Visually Sacred: Conversations on the Power of Images: Recent Episodes
Arthur Aghajanian
Christian contemplative and essayist Arthur Aghajanian explores 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. Learn more at imageandfaith.com
David taught for fourteen years at Oxford and for seventeen at Durham before becoming Professor of Theology, Aesthetics & Culture at the University of St. Andrews in 2007. In recent years he has focused on interactions between theology and the arts and indeed culture more generally. This resulted in a series of five books for Oxford University Press: "Tradition and Imagination," "Discipleship and Imagination," "God and Enchantment of Place," "God and Grace of Body" and "God and Mystery in Words." David was elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 2002, and of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2012. His most recent book is "Gospel as Work of Art: Imaginative Truth and the Open Text."
In this episode, David and I discuss architecture, worship, and imagination. From the symbolism of stained glass to the impact of architectural design on the worship experience, we draw parallels between Hindu temples, Jewish synagogues, and churches as we explore the nature of sacred space. We also talked about how aesthetic and religious experience overlap but also differ in important ways.
Christina is the author of four books and over 100 articles and essays on medieval Armenian art and architecture, including most recently, "The Art of Armenia." Her 2015 monograph, "Vigilant Powers: Three Churches of Early Medieval Armenia" won the Karen Gould Prize for Art History from the Medieval Academy of America as well as the Sona Aronian Prize for best Armenian Studies monograph from the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research. She has worked on issues of cultural heritage for over a decade, with a focus on the at-risk Armenian churches and monasteries in what is now Eastern Turkey.
In this episode, Christina and I discuss the distinctive traits of Armenian religious architecture, its significance in Christian and architectural history, and the interplay between exterior and interior elements in creating sacred space. From their reflection of Orthodox theology to the unique history of Ani, we delved into how Armenian churches differ from other traditions.
Saurav is a writer and filmmaker primarily known for his work on the crime-noir graphic novel Mumbai Confidential and his collaboration with Deepak Chopra for the comic book series Deepak Chopra Presents India Authentic. He is also the author of the essay “Echoes Of Eternity” for the Graven Images anthology that examined Hindu reincarnation motifs in American Superhero comics, especially in the work of Grant Morisson’s “Animal Man” and Alan Moore’s “Supreme.”
In this episode, Saurav and I discuss the intriguing intersection of religion and comic books as we compare aspects of Hinduism and Christianity. We explored how themes like sacrifice, morality, and resilience in superhero narratives resonate with theological concepts from these two traditions, revealing the universal aspects underlying both religions. Whether examining parallels with ancient religious art or the modern dilemmas of comic characters, we navigated the rich landscape where theology and comics converge.
Petra is professor of systematic theology and head of the Center for Theology, Ecology, and Culture at Stockholm School of Theology. She does research in the borderland of theology, art, performance, and environmental activism. She is co-founder of a surrealist and theology collective called The International Congress for Infrathin Studies. She is the author of "Mysticism as Revolt", "Foucault, Art, and Radical Theology: The Mystery of Things" and "Avantgarde Art and Radical Material Theology: A Manifesto". Petra is also an ordained minister in the Lutheran Church of Sweden.
In this episode, Petra and I discuss the intersection of aesthetics, spirituality, and theology, exploring Michel Foucault's groundbreaking work on painting and its impact on the contemporary understanding of materiality and corporeality in spirituality. From 20th-century philosophers bridging the gap between art and theology to the use of diverse imagery in representing religious beliefs, we navigated the complex terrain where radical theology, mysticism, and political artistic activism converge.
Robert is a cultural theologian residing in Los Angeles. He currently serves as an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, and as a Tutor at the Honors College, Azusa Pacific University. He directs the Center for Pastoral Residents, Christ Church Sierra Madre, and works as the Director of Vocational Discipleship at the Center for Faith + Work Los Angeles.
Robert’s 2020 book “Fashion Theology" was nominated for the Grawmeyer Award in Religion. In addition, Robert has over 70 publications, including the newly released “Neo-Calvinism and the Arts” in the T & T Clark Handbook to Neo-Calvinism.
In this episode, Robert and I discuss the intriguing relationship between fashion and theology, exploring their historical intersections, the symbolic aspects of fashion, and the impact of clothing on spirituality.
Ali Hussain is a musician and poet. He has a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from the University of Michigan, Department of Middle East Studies. His research focuses on the image of Jesus in the writings of Muslim polymath Muhyiddin Ibn Al-Arabi and later Muslim scholars. His other research interests include Islam and Sufism in America, art and creativity in Islam and the creative engagement that Sufi mystics have with Arabic through the mediation of the Quran. In 2018, he founded "The Adhwaq Center for Spirituality, Culture and the Arts", a nonprofit organization focused on spirituality and creativity in contemporary culture.
In this episode, Ali and I explore the intersection of Christian mysticism and Sufism in the realm of art and spirituality. As representatives of Christianity and Islam, we share a love of the mystical schools in each tradition, and we had an amazing interfaith dialogue. We discussed everything from the mystical nature of the creative process, to the influence of the great Sufi mystic Ibn Arabi, the search for the sacred in everyday life, and the role of representation in visual art and popular media.
Rachel is Gilkison Distinguished Professor of Art History at Taylor University. She has been a Visiting Scholar at the American Academy in Rome on two occasions, a participant in NEH Summer Seminars on Medieval Art in Paris and York, has been a seminar leader for artists and scholars in the US and abroad, and has taught in South Africa, China, Italy, and British Columbia. Rachel is a founding director and current President of the Board of The Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art. The recipient of the Best Article of the Year Award from the journal Explorations in Renaissance Culture, she publishes on a wide range of topics in the arts.
In this episode, Rachel and I discussed questions around the place and role of spirituality in contemporary art. We talked about her recent book on the subject and her various projects across a broad range of projects and exhibitions. We also explored how diverse artists navigate spirituality, cultural differences, and environmental consciousness through their artwork.
Gary was director of the Walters Art Museum from 1994 to 2013; from 1985 to 1994 he was the museum’s chief curator. Before moving to Baltimore, Gary was senior associate at Harvard’s Center for Byzantine Studies at Dumbarton Oaks. A native of Minnesota, he received his BA from Carleton College and his PhD from Princeton University. He serves on the Advisory Council on Culture and the Arts of the Salzburg Global Seminar. He has been an advisor to the Getty Leadership Institute, Princeton University’s Department of Art and Archaeology, and the Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University.
In this episode, Gary and I discussed how to preserve the spiritual impact of Orthodox icons in a museum setting. We talked about the challenges of conveying the unique power of sacred art to a diverse audience while respecting its spiritual intent. Additionally, we discuss the intersections of art, culture, and religion in the context of pilgrimage.
Philip is Professor of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, where he specializes in urban design and theory, with a particular interest in Catholic and classical humanist intellectual and artistic traditions in the context of modern American life and the contemporary culture of architecture and urban design. Philip’s research has been supported by grants from The National Endowment for the Arts, The Graham Foundation, The Historical Society of Boston University, and the Notre Dame Tocqueville Program.
In this episode, Philip and I discussed the complex and fascinating connection between urban planning, spirituality, and the profound shifts brought by modernity, including the influence of the automobile on cityscapes. We explored ways to reintegrate the sacred into contemporary city design in order to enhance well-being and spiritual fulfillment.
Stefanie is Professor of Constructive Theology in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University. Her teaching and research focus on religion, media and gender, the role of body in religious traditions, issues of gender and sexuality in theology, and the theological engagement with visual arts, film and other visual media. Stefanie has served on ecumenical juries at film festivals in Fribourg, Locarno and Venice. She is the co-chief editor of the Journal for Religion, Film and Media and coordinator of the editorial board of the book series Research in Contemporary Religion.
In this episode, Stefanie and I delve into religion, spirituality, and their interaction with media representation. We explored the importance of challenging prevailing narratives, talked about how contemporary artists and filmmakers influence the mediascape, and considered strategies for promoting accurate depictions of spiritual life in media.
Brent has presented their research at museums, cultural centers, and universities across Asia, Europe, and North America. Recent books include Religion and Film: Cinema and the Re-Creation of the World, A History of Religion in 5 ½ Objects, and the co-edited Routledge Handbook of Material Religion. They are the Executive Director of the Association for Public Religion and Intellectual Life, otherwise known as APRIL, editor of the 70-year-old journal CrossCurrents, and Board Member of the Interfaith Coalition of Greater Utica, NY.
In this episode, Brent and I discussed the profound interplay between spirituality and tangible objects. We explore how material culture has shaped and continues to influence religious practices, rituals, and beliefs. Brent offers valuable insights into the historical significance of religious artifacts, shedding light on their role in preserving and transmitting spiritual traditions.
Gregory is Head, and Professor of the Religious Studies Department at The University of North Carolina Greensboro. As the Director of UNCG’s Network for the Cultural Study of Videogaming and a founding member of the International Academy for the Study of Gaming and Religion, Gregory is at the forefront of advancing scholarly understanding in this emerging field.
In this episode, Gregory and I discussed how video games challenge and reinforce societal perceptions of religion. We talked about ways religious studies can critically analyze and interpret these representations in popular gaming culture. We also delved into how video games influence personal beliefs, the symbolism of violence, and the role of games in relation to complex moral and philosophical concepts.
In this season, we'll be diving into thoughtful discussions that bring our theological framework to bear on the images and objects within specialized areas of visual culture. We've invited a diverse array of guides, each an expert in their particular area of aesthetics. From movies and fashion to iconography and graphic design, we'll be exploring a wealth of subject matter, but our goalremains the same: to illuminate how visual expressions enrich and influence our spiritual lives.
In the closing episode of Season 1 of Visually Sacred, host Arthur Aghajanian reflects on the journey and looks forward to Season 2.
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William is Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, where from 1990 to 2000 he served as Dean of the School of Theology. His teaching and research interests focus on the relation of the Christian Faith to culture, especially to the visual arts and on missions and global theology. In addition to many articles and reviews he has published several books including "Rouault: A Vision of Suffering and Salvation; How Does America Hear the Gospel?"; "Learning About Theology from the Third World"; "The Earth is God’s: A Theology of American Culture"; "Visual Faith: Art, Theology and Worship in Dialogue"; and "Reformed Theology and Visual Culture: The Protestant Imagination from Calvin to Edwards". In 2008 he co-edited the "Global Dictionary of Theology" with V. M. Karkainnen. William's more recent books include "Poetic Theology: God and the Poetics of Everyday Life"; "Theology Without Borders" (co-written with Oscar Garcia-Johnson); "Modern Art and the Life of a Culture" (co-written with Jonathan Anderson) and "The Facts on the Ground".
In this episode, William and I discussed a number of important issues related to visual art and Christian culture. We began our conversation with William sharing his thoughts on the importance of art to spirituality and the historical and theological reasons behind different ideas about images found in Protestantism versus Catholicism. We also talked about the often unseen but fascinating centrality of Christianity within Modern art. Then we unpacked the subject of theopoetics, with William distinguishing its primary traits and how it connects art to daily life.
Taylor is visiting associate professor of art history at Wheaton College and project director for “Thinking about Thinking: Conceptual Art and the Contemplative Tradition.” This research project seeks to make new connections between the conceptualist art-making strategy and the benefits of spiritual contemplation. Taylor is the author of "Memento Mori in Contemporary Art: Theologies of Lament and Hope." Additionally, he has edited "Theology, Aesthetics and Culture: Conversations with the Work of David Brown" with Rob MacSwain, "Dreams, Doubt, and Dread: The Spiritual in Film" with Zachary Settle, and "Contemporary Art and the Church: A Conversation between Two Worlds" with David Taylor. He has served on the board of directors for the organization Christians in the Visual Arts since 2015.
In this episode, Taylor and I discuss the place of spirituality in contemporary art. I was interested to hear his ideas about how a theological interpretation of art adds meaning and depth to the variety of frameworks typically used in art criticism. We talked about how artists approach spirituality today and how the gap between contemporary art and Christian life might be bridged. We also focused on conceptual art, an approach to artmaking that, despite appearances, can often reflect Christian ethics.
Robin is Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. Her research and publication focuses on the relationship between early Christian art and literature and examines the ways that visual images and architectural spaces should be regarded as modes of theological expression. Her published essays and books contend that, in addition to interpreting sacred texts, visual images enhance liturgical settings, reflect the nature and content of devotional piety, and explicate ritual practices. She teaches courses on the character of late antique Christian and Jewish art, the history and evolution of Christian architecture, the iconography of the cross and crucifix, depictions of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and the place and controversies over images and idols in ancient and early medieval Christianity.For this episode, I sat down with Robin to talk about Christian architecture. She explained some of its essential characteristics and how the design of a church reflects theology. We also discussed the role of images and objects in relation to the spaces of churches and cathedrals, and how architects approach the design of a place for worship. Robin and I also delved into some of the current challenges in designing religious architecture and how architects might best respond to the spiritual needs of a congregation.
David is Professor of Religious Studies and Director of Graduate Studies in the doctoral program in Religion at Duke University with an additional appointment in the Department of Art, Art History, and Visual Studies at Duke. He is a recipient of many grants and fellowships, including support from the National Endowment of the Humanities, the Getty Foundation, the Henry Luce Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, and fellowships at Yale University and Princeton University.
David has explored various religious traditions and sought to theorize the study of visuality in two books: "The Sacred Gaze and The Embodied Eye: Religious Visual Culture and the Social Life of Feeling." In 2018, he published "Images at Work: The Material Culture of Enchantment," a study of the role that images play in producing enchantment in religion, magic, and everyday life during the modern era. His latest book, "The Thing about Religion," which appeared last year, is an introduction to the material study of religion.In this episode, David and I discussed the nature of visual culture, both secular and religious, and the ways our beliefs and ideas about the world are influenced by the images we consume. We also explored how ideas about the sacred, enchantment, and revelation function through different modes of visual culture.
Robert is Senior Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary where he has taught students how to engage both biblically and theologically with movies, popular culture, and contemporary fiction. He is a recipient of the Weyerhaeuser Award as “teacher of the year” at Fuller, as well as a former provost both at Fuller and at North Park University. Robert has been a member of the ecumenical juries at the Locarno, Cannes, and Venice Film Festivals. He is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church.
A co-director of Fuller’s Reel Spirituality Institute and a past president of the American Theological Society, Robert has written or edited fifteen books including: Deep Focus, which he co-authored with Kutter Callaway and Craig Detweiler, God in the Movies, which he co-edited with Catherine Barsotti, God’s Wider Presence, Don’t Stop Believin’, Useless Beauty: Ecclesiastes through the Lens of Contemporary Film, Finding God in the Movies, also co-authored with Catherine Barsotti, Reel Spirituality, and The Christian at Play.
In this episode, Robert and I discussed how cinema can feed our spiritual growth. One of the foremost figures on the subject of theology and film, Robert shared his thoughts on an array of issues, from how the movies have influenced the public’s perception of Christianity to the ways film can inspire theological reflection. We also talked about the challenges posed by new technologies that have influenced the way we watch films in our current digital age.
Kutter is the William K. Brehm Chair of Worship, Theology, and the Arts, as well as associate dean of the Center for Advanced Theological Studies, and associate professor of theology and culture. He is actively engaged in writing and speaking on the interaction between theology and culture—particularly film, television, and online media—in both academic and popular forums.
Kutter co-chairs the Religion, Film, and Visual Culture group at the American Academy of Religion. He also partnered with Paulist Productions to produce the YouTube series Should Christians Watch? and is currently in production on a new podcast series for Christianity Today, set to launch in 2023. His professionalmemberships include the American Academy of Religion, American Psychological Association, and the Society of Biblical Literature. Kutter is also ordained asa Baptist minister.
In this episode, Kutter and I discussed the relationship of atheism to Christianity, how the images and media of popular culture can support our spiritual journey and the theology of television. We also talked about the ways images in the media frame our ideas about the world and influence our beliefs.
Jennifer is Associate Professor of Theology and Humanities at Point University in West Point, Georgia where she teaches courses in systematic theology, philosophy, and the arts. She is the author of Placemaking and the Arts: Cultivating the Christian Life and has had work published in numerous other academic and popular venues. Jennifer lectures widely on the topic of theology and the arts, and her main research focuses on the theological significance of place and the arts’ role in our practices of placemaking.
In this episode, Jennifer and I discussed the nature and theological significance of the concept of place and the ways that images define the spaces we inhabit. We explored the impact of commercial images and the influence of the handmade, and some of the unexpected ways that creativity shows up in ourordinary routines.
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. In addition, he conducts Illuminated manuscript painting workshops for adults and children. 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.
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. Peter has edited and co-edited many other books and published dozens of scholarly essays and book chapters, as well as articles in popular theological and music journals. Most recently he co-edited Arvo Pärt: Sounding the Sacred.
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.
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, how beauty factors into our response to images, and the rich and complex ways that beauty can be approached from a Christian perspective. We also talked about feminist theology and Natalie’s ideas about the relationship between asceticism and abundance.
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, he 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.
Wilson is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion, Society and the Arts at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. In episode 2 of Visually Sacred, 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.
David is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. In the first episode of Visually Sacred, 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.