Creative Catholics: Literature & Theology in the 20th Century

Chris is joined by Cassandra Nelson, an affiliate fellow in literature at the Lumen Center in Madison, Wisconsin, an associate fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, and the author of A Theology of Fiction (Wiseblood Books, 2025). They discuss the life and thought of Sr. Mariella Gable, a Benedictine nun who had an under-appreciated influence on Catholic literary fiction during the 20th century. They also talk about the relationship between theology and literature, the work of Betty Wahl and J.F. Powers, and more. Show notes:

• • Cassandra’s new book, A Theology of Fiction, and the 2022 First Things essay on which it is based
  • Sr. Mariella Gable’s anthologies of Catholic fiction
  • J.F. Powers’s collected short stories
  • The Lumen Center’s website
  • Chris’s book, 13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (but Probably Haven’t Read)

Time stamps:
2:56 Sr. Mariella Gable’s conception of Catholic fiction
23:20 Sr. Mariella’s controversies and influence
29:31 A theology of comedy
35:15 Betty Wahl and J.F. Powers
45:20 Reading as a spiritual practice and the moral dimension of fiction
56:55 Cassandra’s recommendations

This episode is brought to you by Root & Branch, the only bed linens designed especially for guest rooms.

Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist.

Produced by Sean Doolan and Otis Wilbury.