Today, on The Artistic Vision we welcome poet and professor Benjamin Myers to continue our series of talks related to the aesthetic life. In this episode, Ben discusses the significance of poetry in cultivating attention and contemplation. He emphasizes the role of beauty, metaphor, and sound in enhancing the poetic experience. The discussion also touches on the sacramental nature of poetry, as well as the challenges of teaching poetry in a way that respects its artistic integrity while providing necessary context.

Benjamin Myers was the 2015-2016 Poet Laureate of the State of Oklahoma and is the author of four books of poetry, of one book on poetics, and of numerous articles, essays, and reviews. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and literary festivals around the country. Myers is a professor of literature at Oklahoma Baptist University, where he directs the Great Books Honors Program.

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Today, on The Artistic Vision we begin of a series of talks related to the aesthetic life. On this episode, our very own Alex Sosler explores the significance of beauty in the Christian life, emphasizing its role in shaping our life in Christ. He discusses the concept of an obedience to an aesthetic life, which encourages us to engage with beauty in art and culture, and how this engagement can lead to deeper insights and a more fulfilling existence. The conversation also touches on the Christian approach to the challenges of modern entertainment.

Alex Sosler is Associate Professor of Bible and Ministry at Montreat College where he teaches practical theology, education, and issues related to church and culture. He also serves as Assisting Priest at Redeemer Anglican Church in Asheville, North Carolina.

He received his M.Div. and Ed.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His dissertation was on the aims and purposes of Christian Higher Education.

His writing has appeared in Christianity Today, Plough, Fathom Magazine, Front Porch Republic, Christ and Pop Culture, Mockingbird, Fare Forward, and Gospel-Centered Discipleship.

He is the author of Learning to Love: Christian Education as Pilgrimage and A Short Guide to Spiritual Formation, as well as editor of Theology and the Avett Brothers, and co-author of The Artistic Vision with Gary Ball. He also is a contributor to several books: Theology and Tolkein, Theology and Breaking Bad, and Theology and the Blues.

Prior to academia, Dr. Sosler served as a pastoral assistant near Cleveland, Ohio, and as an associate pastor in Austin, Texas.

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https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1

In this episode of The Artistic Vision, poet and writer Paul Pastor joins us to talk about his new poetry collection, The Locust Years, which explores the beautiful irrationality of hope amid loss. Listen to the way he compares hope to a rat! Also, we discuss the meaning and value of “Christian art” and why artists of faith should boldly embrace their spiritual identity, engaging the world through joy, grace, love, and redemption. This inspiring conversation is perfect for Christian artists, poets, and writers seeking to create meaningful work that reflects faith, beauty, and the power of authentic hope.

Paul J. Pastor is a poet, writer, and editor from Oregon. His work uncovers the inner life of the world, as experienced in nature, literature, and the rich traditions of historic Christian spirituality.

Paul is the author of several books, including Bower Lodge: Poems, A Kids Book About God, The Listening Day series, and The Face of the Deep. His work has been widely published in many fine outlets, including Books & Culture, The Los Angeles Review of Books, The Windhover, Christianity Today, Fathom, Ekstasis, Solum Literary Press, and has been anthologized by The New York Quarterly Review.

Paul serves HarperCollins as Executive Editor for Nelson Books, where he publishes authors of significant creative and commercial potential who encourage grounded spiritual renewal for our time of pain and opportunity.

Paul has lived for years in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, where he wanders the woods with his wife Emily, a classically-trained fine artist, and their three children.

Follow us on Instagram:
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https://www.amazon.com/Artistic-Vision-Cultivating-Sacramental-Imagination/dp/1666760137/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gTOsrim0XMSOuyLOeIeqJHvXQlDWGE8BqOmNzY_TR90uoCegHsEhJBG77UwllpmqLDWKth27lBsmET7L6zvc7ICCVdmkwI33_NEQ_nhHaDv93pdCdMGQIktvJfX8bLqO7YjU6aVmNrGphfVU5ueCV0eG_qJJa9dRQBoebI1YbmZHOhyO178tlKdGbg4x2bjfLI0onx9-uhqzoCsc3lK_qwFOZDjVQwfqxeG4uzRbEpQ.yXgwTDxpCvj4B59DJmY1tcOwV7D8tMdtxas0EndXMCY&qid=1745002821&sr=8-1