Beauty Through Faith Podcast

About Beauty Through Faith Podcast

Nurturing the voice of the Church through the arts. beautythroughfaith.substack.com (https://beautythroughfaith.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Kalos Arts

Category

arts · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Jan 2025

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

34 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Dr. Junius Johnson on creation, imagination, and C.S. Lewis

   Summary Dr. Junius Johnson returns to Beauty Through Faith for a conversation on beauty, wonder, artistic creation, and what it means to become more fully who God created us to be. Beginning with a family visit to Alabama’s Natural Bridge, Junius reflects on the difference between simply recognizing natural beauty and encountering creation as a testimony to the glory of God. From there, the conversation explores the relationship between artist and material, humility in music and art, poetic form, and the ways creation can help give us our own voice. Junius also shares his lifelong love of C.S. Lewis and The Chronicles of Narnia, including his developing theological reading of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The episode closes with a reflection on artistic comparison, vocation, and the freedom that comes from faithfully becoming the person God created each of us to be. Links Junius Johnson AcademicsExplore Junius’s courses in theology, literature, Narnia, King Arthur, beauty, imagination, wonder, and more.Explore Junius Johnson Academics (https://academics.juniusjohnson.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) academics.juniusjohnson.com (https://academics.juniusjohnson.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The Father of Lights: A Theology of BeautyJunius’s work on beauty provides an important foundation for many of the ideas explored in this episode. His expanded Theology of Beauty course is scheduled to return in 2027.Explore The Father of Lights (https://academics.juniusjohnson.com/courses/the-father-of-lights/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) academics.juniusjohnson.com (https://academics.juniusjohnson.com/courses/the-father-of-lights/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Field Guide to NarniaFor listeners interested in Junius’s work on C.S. Lewis, this self-paced resource explores Narnia’s geography, history, inhabitants, and imaginative world.Explore the Field Guide to Narnia (https://academics.juniusjohnson.com/courses/narnia-field-guide/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) academics.juniusjohnson.com (https://academics.juniusjohnson.com/courses/narnia-field-guide/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) HumanitasJunius also discusses his ongoing work on the Humanitas history series from Classical Academic Press, built around primary-source engagement with Western civilization. Explore Humanitas at Classical Academic Press (https://classicalacademicpress.com/products/humanitas-the-early-middle-ages?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Classical Academic Press (https://classicalacademicpress.com/products/humanitas-the-early-middle-ages?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Upcoming Theology CoursesJunius’s current schedule includes The Father of Lights: A Theology of Beauty in early 2027 and A Taste for Glory: A Theology of Wonder in the spring. academics.juniusjohnson.com (https://academics.juniusjohnson.com/theological-studies/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)View theology courses (https://academics.juniusjohnson.com/theological-studies/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Note: the free Voyage of the Dawn Treader webinar discussed in the episode took place on October 15, 2026. Current courses and resources are available through Junius Johnson Academics. Takeaways * Beauty becomes richer when creation is recognized not only as beautiful in itself, but as revealing something of its Creator. * Human beings participate in creation rather than merely observing it; the world shapes us even as we shape it. * Artistic materials have their own character and limitations, and good art often requires humility before those materials rather than domination over them. * In music, the willingness to become part of a larger texture can be as important as the opportunity to stand out as a soloist. * Poetic form is not merely a restriction but can become part of the meaning and creative power of a work. * C.S. Lewis’s The Voyage of the Dawn Treader can be read as a rich imaginative presentation of Christian spiritual realities, including transformation, baptism, longing, and worship. * Artists, poets, and theologians can help remind us of our human inheritance: to live fully into what God created us to be. * Artistic faithfulness is not measured by recognition or comparison. The task is to show up, do the best work available to us today, and allow that work to become what it is meant to be. Beauty through Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautythroughfaith.substack.com/subscribe (https://beautythroughfaith.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   Jacob Herold on Art, Hospitality, and The Anselm Society

   Summary Jacob Herold, Denver Coordinator for the Anselm Society, joins Beauty Through Faith to talk about vocation, jazz, hospitality, and the place of artists within the life of the Church. Drawing on his own journey as a jazz musician and Christian, Jacob reflects on learning to see artistic work not merely as permissible, but as a genuine calling under the kingship of Christ. The conversation also explores Christian witness in secular spaces, the role of hospitality in creative community, and Jacob’s work helping expand the Anselm Society’s presence in Denver. Colorado Kalos Salon Events The Anselm Society, Colorado Christian University, and the Kalos Arts Foundation have partnered to bring Echoes & Illuminations to the communities of Loveland and Denver, Colorado. Join us for an intimate salon style concert experience featuring original music by Gustav Hoyer alongside a custom lighting system that responds to the musicians in real time. As the music rises and falls, the light follows, inviting the audience to explore the space between sight and sound and discover what may be revealed through both. Loveland: Monday, October 5 7 PM at First United Presbyterian Church Denver : Tuesday, October 6 7 PM at Colorado Christian University School of Music Tickets start at $15. Seating is limited. Reserve your tickets here (https://kalosarts.org/store) Links Anselm Society (https://www.anselmsociety.org/)Learn more about the Anselm Society, its gatherings, guilds, events, and the growing Denver community. Jacob Herold — (https://jacobherold.bandcamp.com/album/the-train-and-the-river)The Train in the River (https://jacobherold.bandcamp.com/album/the-train-and-the-river)Jacob’s recent project blends elements of Americana and folk music with jazz. Gift of Jazz (https://giftofjazz.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24180761641&gbraid=0AAAAAqW2Uc-Gvs02DcTQBkIbFZNIMY3Wg&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5P7UBhDaARIsAOSlS1MmqryjKDQ9UUw8W6eZApZZKjiwxKlEVLFCUKwe5wOoYkrI8Z4qY7saAlbVEALw_wcB#/events)Jacob also discusses his work helping produce concerts and events in the Denver area. Takeaways * Christ’s kingship extends to the arts, giving Christian artists freedom to pursue their work as a genuine vocation. * Vocation is more than a job; it is a calling rooted in the gifts and responsibilities God gives each person. * Christian artists can serve as witnesses in spaces where the Church may not always be visibly present. * Faithful presence in secular artistic communities requires humility, courage, and dependence on Christ rather than confidence in oneself. * Artistic work does not have to achieve fame, commercial success, or cultural prominence in order to be worthwhile. * Hospitality can itself become an artistic and Christian practice, creating spaces where people can gather, celebrate, create, and encourage one another. * The Church is strengthened when different gifts and callings are allowed to flourish rather than being forced into a narrow definition of ministry. * Jacob’s work with the Anselm Society reflects a desire to build communities where Christian artists can create, collaborate, feast, and pursue beauty together. Beauty through Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautythroughfaith.substack.com/subscribe (https://beautythroughfaith.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

3. 

   23 Sept 2026

   SPECIAL EPISODE: Dr. Paul Barnes on the 2026 American Liszt Society Festival

   Summary Pianist Dr. Paul Barnes returns to Beauty Through Faith for a conversation on beauty, transcendence, artistic vocation, and the upcoming American Liszt Society Festival, Toward Re-Enchantment: Beauty as a Portal to the Sacred. Paul reflects on the role beauty has played throughout his life and career, and on why music can offer a point of encounter with the sacred even for those who do not share the same faith. The conversation also explores Liszt’s spiritual life, the importance of approaching unfamiliar art with gratitude and openness, and Paul’s own transition toward mentorship, teaching, and passing a lifetime of musical experience on to younger artists. Links 2026 American Liszt Society Festival — Toward Re-Enchantment: Beauty as a Portal to the SacredThe festival at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln brings together performances, lectures, contemporary music, and scholarship centered on beauty and transcendence. Festival information (https://www.americanlisztsociety.net/2026-festival?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Festival Program and Presenter BiosView the 2026 program (https://www.americanlisztsociety.net/2026-program?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Festival RegistrationRegistration remains available for full-festival and single-day attendance. Registration and visitor information (https://www.americanlisztsociety.net/2026-registration?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Paul BarnesLearn more about Paul’s performances, recordings, collaborations, and current projects.Paul Barnes — Official Website (https://www.paulbarnes.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)Paul Barnes — YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCopb1yWRe2KMIIz99vogB1w) Fr. Alexander Schmemann — For the Life of the WorldPaul and Benjamin discuss this influential work and its vision of receiving creation as gift and offering it back to God. For the Life of the World — St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press (https://svspress.com/for-the-life-of-the-world-new-edition/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Paul Barnes — “Liszt and the Cross: Music as Sacrament in the B Minor Sonata”A resource from Paul exploring the spiritual and sacramental dimensions of Liszt’s music.Read Paul’s Liszt and the Cross handout (https://www.paulbarnes.net/pdfs/liszthandout.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Tom Larson — “The Gift”Paul discusses his love for Larson’s music and his desire to champion the work of a longtime colleague. Larson’s site includes Paul’s performance of The Gift, with video by Peter Barnes. Watch The Gift and explore Tom Larson’s music (https://tomlarsonmusic.net/video?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Takeaways * Beauty can become a point of encounter with the sacred and a starting place for conversations across different beliefs. * Gratitude changes the way we receive both art and the world around us. * Great art allows us to encounter reality through another person’s vision and experience. * Liszt’s spiritual convictions and generosity toward other artists were central to his musical life. * Unfamiliar music rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to listen beyond our immediate preferences. * Artistic vocation includes not only creating and performing, but teaching, mentoring, and passing a tradition to the next generation. * Paul’s current season reflects a growing emphasis on gratitude, family, teaching, and making room for younger musicians. Beauty through Faith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beautythroughfaith.substack.com/subscribe (https://beautythroughfaith.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.