This call is hosted by the Christian Peacebuilding Network (CPN), a multi-org group we helped found, and is part of a series of monthly conversations to help connect Christian peacebuilders and discuss themes related to peacebuilding and the Christian faith.
Theopoetics is an approach to theology that merges creative expression, such as poetry and art, with theological reflection to explore spiritual truths and experiences beyond traditional doctrinal frameworks. It emphasizes imagination, embodiment, critique of oppressive structures, and the transformative power of artistic engagement in shaping theological understanding and ethical action.
During this CPN July meeting, David Katibah (Telos) will share briefly about how poetry, art, and aesthetic practices shape our capacity to imagine a world beyond the one of violence, oppression, and supremacy that we have inherited. This capacity to imagine is central to the call of Christ to repent and "transform our minds" (Romans 12:2). Poetry and other forms of art often do this transformative work within us, even if we're not perceptive of it. By expanding our capacity to see beyond our current borders of what is “possible” and redefine what we see as “good,” it becomes possible to follow Jesus in his work to build the holistic and just peace of God’s reign. During this CPN meeting, participants will explore how we can open our eyes to the theopoetic in order to see the poetry in the world around us and begin creating it too.
If you’re a Christian peacebuilder, join us for this online discussion to talk and process together about the following questions.
Discussion questions:
How has poetry or art influenced your imagination and understanding of justice, peace, and the Kingdom of God?
Share a specific poem, piece of art, or aesthetic practice that resonates with your imagination of the Kingdom of God. What elements make it impactful for you?
How can we support and encourage each other in developing a theopoetic lens through which we engage with the world and our faith?
Time:
3:00pm Central Europe / Central Africa (4:00pm East Africa Time / Jerusalem, 2:00pm UK, 9:00am USA Eastern, 6:30pm India Time)
Introductory Speaker:
David Katibah
David works for The Telos Group as the Director of Communications and Christian Engagement, Washington, DC. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received degrees in Economics, Political Science, and Philosophy, graduating with highest distinction from the Honors College and receiving the James M. Johnston Distinguished Senior Award. Prior to joining Telos, he spent time living and working in East Asia and completed the Falls Church Fellows program in 2019-2020.
David is passionate about supporting transitional justice and conflict transformation in the Middle East as an American of Syrian descent. He also believes in the transformative power of Christian communities claiming their call to be peacemakers in the U.S. and beyond. His voice can be heard hosting the Telos Check-In podcast, and his writing can be found on his Substack, “Awakenings.”