The Church Once Shaped the World Through Beauty—Can We Help Restore Its Influence Again?

For centuries, the Christian faith was the driving force behind breathtaking art, transcendent music, and the very fabric of Western culture. But somewhere along the way, the church lost its influence—and with it, our society became less attuned to the transcendent power of beauty to point hearts to God. How did we get here, and most importantly, how can parents reclaim beauty as a powerful tool for reaching a generation that’s grown deaf to lectures and argument?

In this compelling episode, Catherine is joined by multi-talented artist, philosopher, and theologian Isaac Gay—an accomplished musician, singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and founder of The Parallel Society, a ministry devoted to discipling artists and restoring creativity in the church. Isaac and his wife Emily have spent nearly two decades planting churches, building prayer rooms, and nurturing creative communities in some of the most secular cities in the West—while also raising three boys of their own.

Key Insights & Takeaways:

• Beauty as a Lost Apologetic: Discover why beauty is the most overlooked, and perhaps most powerful, way for Christians to influence culture today. “Beauty just might be our most powerful apologetic,” Catherine declares, underscoring its unique role in capturing hearts in a post-truth society.
• The Biblical Foundation of Creativity: Learn how the very first thing Scripture tells us about God isn’t that He’s a king, or father—but that He is a Creator, bringing order out of chaos. And why that means that every parent, regardless of natural talent, is called to be creative too.
• History’s Lessons: Journey from the Renaissance and beyond to see how the church used to set the standard for art, music, and culture. Why did Christians abdicate that position of influence, and how did utilitarian thinking, fundamentalism, and a sacred/secular divide contribute to exile of the arts?
• The Plight—and Calling—of Christian Artists: Hear Isaac’s own story of exchanging Broadway dreams for full-time ministry, and the tension so many creative Christians face when their gifts seem at odds with church expectations. “You are joining God, the ultimate creator, in the act of the most beautiful piece of art and creativity that has ever been created,” Isaac encourages all parents.
• Why Lectures Don’t Reach Culture (But Stories Do): The world isn’t tuning into our sermons—they’re going to movies, reading novels, and being shaped by art. Find out why reclaiming creativity in the church isn’t optional, but essential if we want to influence the next generation.

Notable Moments:

• The astonishing significance of the first person in Scripture filled with the Holy Spirit (hint: he was an artist, not a preacher!)
• Stories from church history, the Renaissance, and the power of artists as “missionaries” to culture.
• A moving discussion on how even parenting itself is an act of creativity, forming order and beauty from chaos.

The church hasn’t just neglected the arts—it’s handed the cultural keys to the world, often settling for copying what’s popular instead of shaping what’s meaningful. What could happen if Christian parents and churches reclaimed beauty—not just in our sanctuaries, but in our homes, our parenting, and our calling?

Listen in and consider:
How are you nurturing the creative spark God gave your children? In what ways could reclaiming beauty and imagination in your home, church, or community become the bridge to the gospel your world desperately needs?

Don’t miss Part 2—where Isaac will be joined by his wife Emily for an even deeper dive into the practical steps of nurturing Christian creativity and restoring the church as a wellspring of beauty and culture.

About the Guest: Isaac Gay is a modern-day renaissance man with a background in theatre, music, and ministry. As the founder of The Parallel Society, he equips Christian artists to use their gifts for cultural renewal and gospel advance. His work with his wife Emily has built creative communities and fostered discipleship of artists across the U.S.

Episode Resources:

Isaac’s Website & Instagram

The Parallel Society

The Prodigal by Isaac Gay

For resources, free guides for parents, and more on nurturing creativity in your kids, visit [email protected].

Stay curious. Stay creative. Let’s raise a new generation of culture-makers—one story, painting, song, or act of love at a time.

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