Although the arts have played a significant role in both world history and Christian history, the contemporary church has often shunned them in favor of a more intellectual approach to theology. Beholding the Glory argues the necessity of renewing an engagement between theology and the arts. Specifically focusing on the incarnation, the book shows how the arts have an indispensable role to play in disclosing God's wisdom.
With an introduction by the editor, the book consists of eight essays written by practicing artists (a sculptor, poet, dancer, and musician), theologians, and professors-all well-versed in the relationship between imagination and theology.
Beholding the Glory would be an appropriate text for humanities courses as well as theological courses that stress a multifaceted approach to Christian doctrine.
Through media as diverse as literature, poetry, dance, iconography, sculpture and music, the theologians and artists contributing to this volume articulate how the Incarnation provides the perfect template for the ways art can convey meaning, ''awakening the mind's attention from the lethargy of custom and directing it to the loveliness and the wonders of the world before us'' (S.T. Coleridge). The arts can share in the task of all redemptive human endeavor of restoring wholeness to our many fractured worlds.
Through media as diverse as literature, poetry, dance, iconography, sculpture and music, the theologians and artists contributing to this volume articulate how the Incarnation provides the perfect template for the ways art can convey meaning, ''awakening the mind's attention from the lethargy of custom and directing it to the loveliness and the wonders of the world before us'' (S.T. Coleridge). The arts can share in the task of all redemptive human endeavor of restoring wholeness to our many fractured worlds.
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