Wednesday, January 16, 2008

The Catholic (and catholic) imagination

What is "the Catholic imagination"?

That's a good question, and I'll bet scores of people have scores of different definitions for "the Catholic imagination." The Rev. Andrew Greeley even wrote a book about it.

And we're tackling it on Four Songs.

Whatever your definition, I think the "Catholic" (and the catholic) imagination has, as a non-negotiable element, some recognition that the everyday can be extraordinary . . . and holy.

I think it also embodies a profound respect for the sanctity of human life, as well as that of nature.

And I don't think you have to be Catholic to have a catholic imagination or worldview. I think you just have to be open to a lot of things, have a passion for "the least of these" in the world and know in your heart of hearts that It's Not All About Us.

ON THE LATEST EPISODE of Four Songs, we're naturally taking a look at the Catholic -- and catholic -- imagination as it manifests itself in music. It might be a little tricky putting into words what we're talking about here, but when we have great artists like Kate Campbell and Pierce Pettis -- and Rodney Crowell, too -- singing it . . . well, then we know it when we hear it.

So check out Four Songs and hear what we're talking about. Listen now or download for later . . . we're not particular so long as you drop by the party.

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