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About this episode

For centuries, the Church wasn’t just a home for faith—it was the lighthouse of creativity and culture. But when did we stop leading the way in beauty, innovation, and art? And what happens when the Church loses its bond with the artist?

Catherine dives deep into this critical topic with special guests Isaac and Emily Gay, co-founders of the Parallel Society. With over twenty years of ministry experience pioneering creative communities, building prayer rooms, and raising three children of their own, Isaac and Emily have dedicated their lives to restoring creativity within the Church and equipping the next generation of artists.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

  • The Great Disconnect: Why did the Church abandon creativity, and how did this create a vacuum that Hollywood and secular culture rushed to fill?
  • Redefining Christian Art: Isaac & Emily challenge the narrow definitions that often limit Christian expression. Drawing from Leo Tolstoy, they ask: What if Christian art isn’t only about displaying explicit symbols, but about work that promotes "an ethic and morality that longs for human flourishing"?
  • Both Sides Matter: Listeners will hear why mending the rift between the Church and artists isn’t just a leadership issue—but requires artists to reexamine the purpose behind their work, moving beyond self-expression to serve a greater, redemptive calling.
  • Restoring Beauty in the Home: Emily shares how families can cultivate creativity over convenience, offering hope-filled encouragement that it starts not on a stage or a gallery wall, but around the dinner table, in moments of Sabbath, and with simple, intentional practices that awaken wonder in children.
  • The Power of Beauty: Catherine passionately reminds us: "We are losing our culture not because we lack truth, but because we’ve lost beauty. In a culture grown deaf to preaching, beauty still whispers. It still sings."
  • Practical Wisdom & Inspiration: Hear how the Gays wrote their own family Sabbath liturgy, and get actionable ideas for fostering beauty, awe, and storytelling within your own home—no matter your artistic skills.

Notable Quotes:

“Creativity is not optional. It’s our calling.”
“Beauty is the language our culture still understands. Are we speaking it?”
“There is no formation without repetition. The job of a parent is to create space for the wild things to run.” – Isaac Gay

About the Guests:
Isaac and Emily Gay are founders of the Parallel Society, a ministry devoted to discipling artists in biblical truth. With two decades of experience engaging some of the most secular areas of the West, they offer invaluable insight on how the Church can once again become a wellspring of culture and innovation.

 

What if the future of your child’s faith—and the influence of the Church—depends on how we restore this forgotten partnership with creativity and beauty?

Tune in for encouragement, theological depth, and practical next steps for every parent who wants to raise a generation that doesn’t just reflect the world, but reclaims it for Christ through the power of art.

Connect with Isaac & Emily Gay:

Connect with Catherine:

 

Special Resource for Moms:
Looking for more encouragement? Don’t miss Catherine’s free groundbreaking ebook, "Beyond the Lies: Uncovering 5 Myths The Culture Spreads to Mothers." In just 20 minutes, you’ll discover the life-giving truth God speaks over every mom.
👉 Download your copy and find more faith-filled resources by subscribing HERE.

 

How are you fostering a love for beauty and creativity in your home? What’s one small way you can invite your children to co-create with God this week? Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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