Mere Fidelity

Are We Disenchanted? Should We Be Enchanted?

Aug 20, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min · Season 1 · Episode 11 · 32.4 MB
0:00-1:07:21

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Alastair, Joseph, Brad, and Derek explore the themes of enchantment and disenchantment in theology and culture. They reflect on Charles Taylor's analysis of the "disenchanted" modern age, the loss of a sacramental imagination, and the ways Christians might recover a sense of wonder, mystery, and divine presence in creation. The conversation considers both dangers—superstition, romantic nostalgia—and opportunities for faithful re-enchantment through Scripture, liturgy, and daily discipleship.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: What is enchantment?
04:15 – Charles Taylor and the "disenchanted age"
09:02 – Medieval vs. modern imagination
14:27 – Superstition, magic, and the dangers of false enchantment
19:40 – Re-enchantment and the Christian imagination
26:03 – Sacramentality, symbolism, and divine presence
32:55 – The role of worship in shaping perception
38:21 – Wonder, mystery, and recovering joy in creation
44:10 – Disenchantment as protection against idolatry
49:35 – Faithful ways of living with re-enchanted vision
55:28 – Closing reflections and further resources

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