Summary

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery talks with Sam Whittaker, Teaching Pastor at South Valley Community Church and instructor at Midwestern Seminary’s Global Campus, about the role of imagination in theology and apologetics. Sam shares how his discovery of imaginative apologetics transformed his approach to ministry and study. Drawing on insights from C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, and others, Sam explains why imagination is not opposed to reason but complements it as the organ of meaning. The conversation explores practical ways to engage imagination in evangelism, discipleship, and preaching, and offers resources for those who want to learn more.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

imaginative apologetics, theology, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, sanctified imagination, evangelism, discipleship, worldview, storytelling, Christian literature

Takeaways

• Imagination is the organ of meaning; reason is the organ of truth.

• Evangelical apologetics often emphasize reason but neglect imagination.

• Stories, metaphors, and images can bypass intellectual defenses and reach the heart.

• Jesus used parables to communicate truth imaginatively.

• Great literature and art can prepare the soil for gospel conversations.

• Feed your imagination with Scripture, classic myths, and enduring stories.

• Resources like Lewis, Tolkien, and Holly Ordway help integrate imagination into apologetics.

Sound Bites

• Reason is the organ of truth; imagination is the organ of meaning.

• We must make good men wish Christianity were true—and then prove that it is.

• Stories can sneak past watchful dragons and open hearts to truth.

• Feed your imagination a good diet of Scripture and great stories.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Sam Whittaker’s Background

2. 02:06 The Role of Imagination in Theology and Apologetics

3. 03:18 Reason and Imagination: Insights from C.S. Lewis

4. 04:22 Practical Examples of Imaginative Apologetics

5. 07:48 Pre-Apologetics and Pascal’s Insight

6. 10:15 How Stories Shape Desire and Meaning

7. 14:00 Lewis, Tolkien, and the Power of Narrative

8. 16:10 A Seminary Class That Changed Everything

9. 19:07 Presuppositionalism and Imaginative Apologetics

10. 22:25 Storytelling as a Witness to the True Myth

11. 24:40 Practical Encouragement for Christians

12. 25:44 Recommended Resources and Next Steps

13. 29:37 Closing Reflections