Jeffrey is Professor of Religion at Washington & Lee University. He is the author of books and essays including From the Heart: A Memoir and a Meditation – On a Vital Organ, Arts of Wonder: Enchanting Secularity which received the 2013 Award for Excellence in Constructive-Reflective Studies from the American Academy of Religion and was also named to the New Museum’s list “Favorite titles from the past year,” and Levinas and the Philosophy of Religion. In addition to these original works, he has also translated several books of philosophy and theology from French to English.
In this conversation, I spoke with Jeffrey about how art can mediate the invisible, evoke wonder, and challenge the disenchantment of modernity. Jeffrey shared his experiences with significant artworks and how they inspire a contemplative way of seeing, emphasizing the heart as a site of spiritual encounter. Our dialogue also touched on material religion, the sacredness of everyday life, and the interplay between philosophy and art in understanding meaning in a secular age.