Welcome to Beauty Through Faith! I’m your host, Benjamin Harding. Today we are joined by Dr. Junius Johnson—theologian, author, and lover of story. Dr. Johnson is a featured speaker at our Beauty Through Faith Conference happening this weekend in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Dr. Johnson has written profound works including Father of Lights and On Teaching Fairy Stories, and you can explore more of his work at his website: www.juniusjohnson.com.

In today’s conversation led by Gustav Hoyer, our executive director, we’ll dive into his vision of how beauty, imagination, and the life of faith intersect in ways that awaken wonder and renew the soul. He gives a little preview of what is happening this weekend too!

✨ And friends—don’t wait. The Beauty Through Faith Conference is just days away! We’ll gather with musicians, scholars, artists, and pastors for a rich time of conversation, encounter, and fellowship. Get your tickets today at www.kalosarts.org.

Let’s get into this inspiring conversation with Dr. Junius Johnson.

Welcome to Beauty Through Faith. I’m your host, Benjamin Harding, and today I’m really excited to sit down with Brian Brown, the Executive Director of the Anselm Society. Brian’s not only a good friend of our work, he’s also going to be one of the featured speakers at our upcoming Rocky Mountain Kalos Beauty Through Faith Conference on September 26th and 27th.

Now, if you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, you’ll want to—because we’ve put together such a rich lineup. We’ll be hearing from Dr. Junius Johnson, pianist Dr. Paul Barnes, violinist Teimu Janikashvili, Joffre Swait, composer N. Lincoln Hanks, and our own Executive Director, Gustav Hoyer.

We’ll kick things off Friday night, September 26th at 7:30 with a plenary session led by Dr. Johnson. He’s going to help us think more clearly about the nature and the reward of encountering beauty. And right alongside his words, we’ll get to hear the artistry of Paul Barnes and Teemu Janikashvili—bringing those ideas to life through music.

Then Saturday is packed with variety: sessions on theology, practical creativity, visual art, poetry, and of course, more music. We’ll hear from Fr. Jeremy Rand, from Brian Brown, and enjoy the music of N. Lincoln Hanks. It’s going to be a really memorable time together, and I hope you’ll join us in Fort Collins.

And if you’re in the Colorado Springs area the weekend before—September 19th and 20th—the Anselm Society is hosting A Long Expected Feast to celebrate Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday. It’s going to be a weekend of learning, feasting, and those moments where you meet someone and think, “You too? I thought I was the only one.” You can find all the details at AnselmSociety.org.

There’s so much happening in the world of Anselm and in the world of beauty. So, let’s jump in.

In this episode of Beauty Through Faith, Benjamin Harding speaks with Dr. Paul Barnes and Gustav Hoyer about the upcoming Rocky Mountain Conference on September 26 and 27, 2025, their musical collaborations, and the intersection of faith and art. They explore the significance of new compositions, the beauty of Orthodox music, and the transformative power of artistic expression in relation to spirituality. The conversation delves into the nature of reality, the role of imagination, and the importance of perceiving beauty as a reflection of Divine Love.

You can be a part of this life-changing conference on September 26 and 27, 2025 by signing up at www.kalosarts.org.

We’re delighted to welcome Joffre Swait as our guest on this episode of the Beauty Through Faith Podcast. Joffre is a writer, thinker, and cultural commentator whose work draws out the deep connections between imagination, faith, and the way beauty shapes our lives. He will also be joining us this fall as part of the lineup for the Rocky Mountain Regional Conference of the Kalos Arts Foundation in Fort Collins, Colorado.

In our conversation, Joffre reflects on how the Church speaks powerfully through art—not as decoration or entertainment, but as a living voice that calls us to truth, hope, and renewal. He invites us to consider the necessity of beauty in our fractured cultural moment and to see how imagination can be a pathway into deeper faith and communion.

This dialogue is just a glimpse of what you can expect at the conference, where artists, theologians, and seekers will gather for a rare and meaningful space of shared discovery.

🌄 About the Rocky Mountain Conference

The Kalos Arts Foundation exists to bring the living voice of the Church, spoken through art, into the world. Our conferences are the heart of this mission—times where beauty and faith are not only discussed, but experienced.

The Rocky Mountain Conference will take place on Friday, September 26 (7:00 PM) through Saturday, September 27 (5:00 PM) in Fort Collins, CO. It will feature a rich and varied program with:

* Dr. Junius Johnson – theologian and writer

* Dr. Paul Barnes – pianist

* Teimuraz Janikashvili – violinist

* Fr. Jeromie Rand – pastor and scholar

* Brian Brown – cultural leader

* Vocal ensemble Attuned

* The music of composer N. Lincoln Hanks

In addition to the formal sessions, the conference will provide space for ad hoc conversations, meals, and community exploration—a rare environment for artists, theologians, and participants to encourage one another and dive deeply into the life of Beauty.

✨ In This Episode You’ll Hear:

* Joffre Swait on why the Church must be heard through art

* Reflections on beauty, imagination, and cultural renewal

* A preview of the themes Joffre will share at the Rocky Mountain Conference

* Why gathering in community around beauty is essential for both artists and the Church

🎟️ Learn more and register for the Rocky Mountain Conference at kalosarts.org.

Welcome to Beauty through Faith, a podcast of the Kalos Arts Foundation. Experience Beauty through Faith this fall at our 2025 Rocky Mountain Regional Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado, on September 26th and 27th. Be inspired by the power of faith and creativity—visit kalosarts.org for details and registration.

Today we welcome Melanie Penn—a classically trained vocalist and songwriter based in Nashville. From her early career in New York’s theater scene, including starring as Sandy in the national Broadway tour of Grease! alongside Frankie Avalon, to her years as a worship leader at Redeemer Presbyterian Church under Tim Keller’s leadership, Melanie’s journey reflects a unique blend of artistry and faith.

She has released multiple albums with producer Ben Shive, including Wake Up Love, Hope Tonight, and More Alive, Volumes 1 and 2. Her 2017 concept album Immanuel—a musical journey through the Christmas story—reached #1 on Amazon’s Christian, Worship, and Holiday charts. Her newest project, The Rising: A Resurrection Album, will be released throughout 2025.

You can learn more at melaniepenn.com.

Your support is crucial in helping the Kalos Art Foundation continue its mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, or attending events, there are many ways to get involved. By supporting the foundation, you are helping to nurture the talents of Christian artists and promote their work to a broader audience. Please consider making a financial donation to help us continue our work. Visit our website to learn more about how you can contribute.

Summary

In this episode, Melanie Penn shares her journey as a classically trained vocalist and songwriter, discussing the intersection of beauty, faith, and artistry. She reflects on her experiences in the musical theater world, the influence of Tim Keller, and the importance of pursuing excellence in her work. The conversation delves into her latest project, 'The Rising,' which explores the resurrection of Christ, and the challenges artists face in balancing their faith with the commercial aspects of the art world. Melanie emphasizes the significance of beauty in truth-telling and the role of the church in supporting artists.

Chapters

00:00 The Pursuit of Beauty

01:51 Crafting Music and Truth

04:50 Influence of Tim Keller

07:58 Excellence in Artistry

10:52 Connecting with the Audience

14:03 Emerging from Darkness

17:39 Faith in the Arts

23:44 The Pursuit of Beauty in Culture

24:21 The Role of the Church in Supporting Artists

27:39 Navigating the Commercial Art World

31:17 Exploring Non-Explicitly Christian Art

35:19 The Excitement of New Projects

39:28 The Creative Process and Collaboration

Welcome to Beauty through Faith a podcast of the Kalos Arts Foundation. On today’s episode, Gustav Hoyer and I had the privilege of speaking with the fine-artist, Josh Tiessen. Josh was born in 1995 in Moscow, Russia to Canadian parents. He is an international award-winning contemporary artist based near Toronto, Ontario. Tiessen is best known for his hyper-surreal shaped oil paintings, which take up to 1700 hours to complete, and reflect the interaction between the natural world and human-made structures. Please visit his website for more information and of course his artwork: https://www.joshtiessen.com/

Experience Beauty Through Faith! Join us for the 2025 Rocky Mountain Regional Conference in Fort Collins, CO on September 26th and 27th. This is our first Rocky Mountain Region - Beauty Through Faith Conference. Come and be inspired by the power of faith and creativity. Visit kalosarts.org for more information and to register.

Your support is crucial in helping the Kalos Art Foundation continue its mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, or attending events, there are many ways to get involved. By supporting the foundation, you are helping to nurture the talents of Christian artists and promote their work to a broader audience. Please consider making a financial donation to help us continue our work. Visit our website at www.kalosarts.org to learn more about how you can contribute.

Episode Title: The Pursuit of Beauty: Wonder, Culture, and TheologyGuest: Dr. Junius JohnsonPodcast: Beauty Through FaithHost: Gustav Hoyer

Episode Summary:In this captivating episode, we welcome theologian and author Dr. Junius Johnson alongside composer and executive director of Kalos, Gustav Hoyer for a rich conversation on beauty, wonder, and the role of imagination in faith and culture. Together, we explore how beauty is not just ornament but a portal—into deeper truth, into divine mystery, and into the transformation of our inner and outer worlds.

Junius offers reflections on the theology of beauty and the formative power of the imagination. From the classical tradition to the modern stage, Gustav and Junius invite us to consider beauty not as escape, but as encounter.

Topics Discussed:

* What the pursuit of beauty really means

* How imagination shapes theological vision

* Art as a response to divine invitation

* The role of cultural formation in the Christian life

* Beauty as a bridge between heaven and earth

* Wonder as resistance in an age of disenchantment

About Our Guest:Dr. Junius Johnson is a scholar of theology and philosophy with deep interests in beauty, imagination, and classical Christian thought. He is the founder of Junius Johnson Academics and the author of several books including The Father of Lights.

Resources & Links:

* Junius Johnson Academics

Connect with Us:Subscribe & review wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode Title: The Pursuit of Beauty: Wonder, Culture, and TheologyGuest: Dr. Junius JohnsonPodcast: Beauty Through FaithHost: Gustav Hoyer

Episode Summary:In this captivating episode, we welcome theologian and author Dr. Junius Johnson alongside composer and executive director of Kalos, Gustav Hoyer for a rich conversation on beauty, wonder, and the role of imagination in faith and culture. Together, we explore how beauty is not just ornament but a portal—into deeper truth, into divine mystery, and into the transformation of our inner and outer worlds.

Junius offers reflections on the theology of beauty and the formative power of the imagination. From the classical tradition to the modern stage, Gustav and Junius invite us to consider beauty not as escape, but as encounter.

Topics Discussed:

* What the pursuit of beauty really means

* How imagination shapes theological vision

* Art as a response to divine invitation

* The role of cultural formation in the Christian life

* Beauty as a bridge between heaven and earth

* Wonder as resistance in an age of disenchantment

About Our Guest:Dr. Junius Johnson is a scholar of theology and philosophy with deep interests in beauty, imagination, and classical Christian thought. He is the founder of Junius Johnson Academics and the author of several books including The Father of Lights.

Resources & Links:

* Junius Johnson Academics

Connect with Us:Subscribe & review wherever you get your podcasts!

Welcome to Beauty through Faith, a podcast brought to you by the Kalos Arts Foundation. I'm your host, Benjamin Harding, and I am so glad you're joining us today.

In this episode, I had the joy of sitting down with Ned Bustard—an influential voice in the conversation around faith and the arts within the evangelical and Protestant world. Ned has been shaping this space for decades, most notably through his publishing house, Square Halo Books, which continues to release thoughtful and inspiring works.

One book I'm especially enjoying right now is Lifting the Veil: Imagination and the Kingdom of God by Malcolm Guite—published exclusively by Square Halo. It's a rich and imaginative read that I highly recommend.

But Ned’s contributions go far beyond publishing—he’s also a gifted visual artist. Many of you may know his work from the beloved Every Moment Holy series by Rabbit Room Press, which is one of my personal favorites.

It was truly a blessing to have this conversation with someone who has so deeply impacted the world of faith and creativity. I hope you find it as encouraging and insightful as I did.

As always, you’ll find links and more details in the show notes. Now, let’s dive in!

Square Halo Books can be found here:

https://www.squarehalobooks.com/

A direct link to the Square Halo Conference:

https://www.squarehalobooks.com/conferences#/2026-conference/