A philosopher priest’s perspective on aesthetics, unity, and worship

Richard Sandlin holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia, where he explored the nature of affective qualities—those deeply felt aspects of human experience, such as joy, sorrow, or awe, and their connections to perception, consciousness, and aesthetics. A philosopher and Anglican priest, Richard’s work bridges intellectual rigor and spiritual depth, with research interests spanning philosophy of mind, ethics, metaphysics, and the philosophy of religion. In other words, Richard is a smarty pants – only, a really personable one. Which is the best kind!

In this interview, Richard discusses the importance of the Trinity (a cornerstone of his Christian faith), his advocacy for unity within Christianity, and his gentle critique of modern worship practices for neglecting beauty as a means of connecting with God. You’ll also hear an engaging exploration of the role of aesthetics—something both Richard and Radix hold in high regard.

Names mentioned in this conversation:
Plato, Justin the Marter, Irenic, Peter Leithart, St. Paul, Polycarp, Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, Thomas Merton, John Wesley, Martin Buber, Robert Crouse, Calvin, Luther, Augustine, Aquinas, Pascal, Charles Taylor, Chesterton, Erasmus, Aristotle, N.T. Wright, Jacques Maritain, Ruskin, Elaine Scarry, George MacDonald, Goethe, Lectio Divina, Henry Nouwen, William Cavanaugh, Josef Pieper, Carl Rahner, Kant, Schiller.

Books:
The Benedict Option (Rod Dreher)
The Soul’s Pilgrimage (Robert D. Crouse)
The End of Protestantism (Peter Leithart)
Fatal Discord (Michael Massing)
The Prayer Book
A Secular Age (Charles Taylor)
The Uses of Idolatry (William Cavanaugh)
Leisure: The Basis of Culture (Josef Pieper)
Migrations of the Holy: God, State, and the Political Meaning of the Church (William Cavanaugh)

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