Episode 199 Rebirth 2.0 with Jonathan Brant

Jonathan Brant was recently at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston.  While there, he delivered a great address. He stopped by and talked with David Capes on The Stone Chapel Podcasts.

Who is Jonathan Brant?

Jonathan Brant has spent the last 20 years or so in and around Oxford. Prior to that he lived in London.  After earning his PhD, he is today Dean of Research and Cultural Engagement at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. 

Before coming to Wycliffe, he traveled around the United States and did some work in Uruguay. 

Brant also directs an initiative launched by Michael Lloyd.  They are calling it the Renaissance Project or Rebirth 2.0. 

Rebirth 2.0

Given the tension in the world, Wycliffe Hall believes that the world is ripe for a new renaissance.  The word means “rebirth.”  

In a Christian context, the idea of rebirth or “born again” is common.  But Wycliffe Hall is embarking on a grand project. They want to be a catalyst for a grand vision of the rebirth of Christian culture and tradition, Christian values, and Christian participation. 

Brant talks about this primarily in three ways: scholarship, leadership, and creativity.  Each of these are crucial if they want to influence culture. 

Scholarship is important because it is influential on culture.  What happens in the university trickles down to culture. 

Leadership is important for various reasons.  But we can think especially of business and politics.

Creativity is key as well because artists, poets, musicians, and filmmakers tell stories that can shape us in valuable ways. 

More Resources

For Michael Lloyd’s podcast, “Truth, Culture, and Rebirth,” click here.

Jonathan Brant’s book: Running into No Man’s Land – The Wisdom of Woodbine Williean

Jonathan Brant’s book: Guide to Knowing God

For information about Wycliffe Hall, Oxford click here.

For a transcript of this episode click here.

More Resources