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 demonstrates the indispensable role the arts play in disclosing God’s wisdom to us. Writing from different Christian traditions, practicing artists, theologians, and professors-all well-versed in the relationship between imagination and theology-focus on the incarnation and draw out a wealth of meaning in the belief that God entered our world as one of us.

Table of Contents

• • List of Illustrations
  • Contributors
  • Introduction
  • 1 Through the Arts: Hearing, Seeing and Touching the Truth 1
  • 2 Through Literature: Christ and the Redemption of Language 27
  • 3 Through Poetry: Particularity and the Call to Attention 47
  • 4 Through Dance: Fully Human, Fully Alive 64
  • 5 Through Icons: Word and Image Together 83
  • 6 Through Sculpture: What’s the Matter with Matter? 98
  • 7 Through Popular Music: ‘Wholy Holy’ 118
  • 8 Through Music: Sound Mix 138
  • General Index 155
  • Index of Scriptures 160