"Beyond the Soul: The Physicality of Worship" w/Professor W. David O. Taylor

In this episode, we engage in an enlightening conversation with W. David O. Taylor, the author of the thought-provoking book, "A Body of Praise". We take a deep dive into the complex subject of the significance of our physical bodies in the context of corporate worship. Taylor's book is a powerful testament against the belief that our bodies are at best negligible and at worst a hindrance in worship. He argues passionately that our bodies are crucial, offering what only they can in worship, and aiding in the formation of Christlikeness within us.

Taylor's rich insights, drawn from a range of sources including the Bible, church history, and theology, provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the role and purpose of our physical bodies in worship. He goes a step further by integrating unique perspectives from the arts and sciences, ethics, and spiritual formation, broadening our understanding of our physicality in worship.

One of the key arguments in Taylor's book is the vital role of our postures, gestures, and movements in worship, asserting their significant contribution to our spiritual formation. He also places great emphasis on the crucial role of our senses - sight, scent, sound, taste, and touch - in worship and how engaging these senses can profoundly enrich our worship experiences.

Taylor further explores the importance of both spontaneous and prescriptive activities in shaping us during worship. Our conversation wraps up with a reaffirmation of the importance of a body that is fully alive in the praise of God. This episode promises to be an enlightening journey that may compel you to reevaluate your own engagement and perception of your body in worship. Join us as we navigate this enriching conversation, which is sure to deepen your understanding and reshape your worship experience.

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Guest Bio:

Born in Guatemala City, W. David O. Taylor is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, and is the author of "Open and Unafraid: The Psalms and the Life of Faith" (Thomas Nelson: 2020), "Glimpses of the New Creation: Worship and the Formative Power of the Arts" (Eerdmans: 2019), and "The Theater of God's Glory: Calvin, Creation and the Liturgical Arts" (Eerdmans: 2017). He is also editor of "For the Beauty of the Church" (Baker, 2010) and co-editor of "Contemporary Art and the Church: A Conversation between Two Worlds" (IVP Academic, 2017) as well as "The Art of New Creation: Trajectories in Theology and the Arts" (IVP Academic, 2022). He has published articles in the The Washington Post, Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Calvin Theological Journal, Christian Scholars Review, Books & Culture, Theology Today, and Image Journal, among others. He serves on the advisory board for Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts as well as IVP Academic’s series, “Studies in Theology and the Arts.” A pastor for ten years in Austin, Texas, he has lectured widely on the arts, from Thailand to South Africa. In 2016 he produced a short film on the psalms with Bono and Eugene Peterson. Twitter: @wdavidotaylor; Instagram: @davidtaylor_theologian; Facebook author page: @wdavidotaylor2020.

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