In a recent post on his blog, Viola reflects on the greatest artists of the 1960s and muses:
“Why can’t speakers and authors who are turning the sod in the Christian world have places to hang out, dialogue, get to know one another and inspire each other?
Name your top 5 favorite authors . . . why aren’t they all spending time together, socially?
Why aren’t they learning from each other?
I’m voicing one of my dreams here.
As most of you know, I’ve collaborated with several authors on projects over the years and will continue to do so.
I’ve shared the conference platform with a number of other authors and speakers in various conferences over the years.
But I’m talking about something more focused, more intentional, and more substantial.
Something like what we saw happen among the greatest music artists in the 1960s. And those people weren’t even Jesus followers!
Perhaps this will always stay a dream. But I suppose it can’t hurt to articulate it.
Maybe one of you will put this post in the right hands to make something like this happen . . . somewhere, someday.
If it ever does, no matter how foundational, count me in.”