A Reading Group's Guide to: Imagination Manifesto by Ted Turnau and Ruth Naomi Floyd

You could use this guide to work through the book yourself, or over three session in a small group, reading group, or similar context.

In their Imagination Manifesto, Ted Turnau and Ruth Naomi Floyd look engagingly at how Christians should relate to the culture around them. It’s an especially thought-provoking and enjoyable read centring around questions like: how should Christians think about books and movies and TV shows? What does it mean to create for the Kingdom of God? Parts of it are written like a documentary and pop culture references abound. Ruth Naomi Floyd is a jazz singer and photographer, and her contributions mean that the book is relatable to read if you are a creative yourself, and fascinating even if you’re not. 

We recommend that you find a group of others to read this with – for example, students at your university or friends in the creative arts. Once you’ve read through the book, gather together, put on your thinking hats, share some snacks, and discuss these questions together!

Discussion Questions:

Engaging with Culture as a Creative

1. How do you think Christians should engage with the culture around them? Should they distance themselves from it, or get involved with it?
2. What are some of the dangers involved in interacting with culture? What are some of the benefits?
3. Can you think of any secular pieces of art that have encouraged you in your faith?
4. Can you think of any Christian pieces of art that have encouraged you in your faith, while still being accessible to non-Christians?
5. How could you share your faith with your friends through these pieces of art?

Acting as a Creative or Supporting a Creative

1. If you are a creative, how do you strive to share your faith through your art?
2. How could the people around you (e.g. your friends, your church or your Christian Union) support you in this?
3. If you’re not a creative, how could you support your friends who are? (If you’re stuck, Ted and Ruth have lots of ideas in Chapter 8.)

Creative Responses

1. Share some of your art with the group and set aside time to think about it from a Christian perspective.
2. If you enjoy writing, try to write a response to this book in the documentary style which Ted and Ruth use.
3. Try to host a movie night as a group, where you find a film that you think could prompt a good discussion. Make some popcorn, turn out the lights and enjoy. Invite your friends, whether they are Christians or not, and draw out the themes that stuck out to you!

Resources

• Imagination Manifesto by Ted Turnau and Ruth Naomi Floyd
• If you want a longer and more academic approach to the topic, see Oasis of Imagination by Ted Turnau.

You can find out more about Imagination Manifesto and purchase a copy of the book here.