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.

Here is a spendid contribution to a white-hot theological topic: the relationship between theology and the arts. In this book, a multi-faceted illumination is achieved by the distinguished contributors, who shine their spotlights not only on God’s truth as revealed in Jesus Christ, but upon the dynamic creativity of artists as they explore this truth in so many striking and stimulating ways. This is a compulsive read, richly rewarding, which made me realize the enormous importance of doing theology through the arts.–Susan Howatch

Artists do theology with their feet and their hands, even with their eyes and ears. These essays are beautiful reflections on these other ways of doing theology. They will benefit everyone who love the arts and seek to follow Christ, especially perhaps those who ’study’ theology primarily with their minds! Should be required reading for anyone who wants to deepen their "insight" into the incarnation!–William A. Dyrness, professor of theology and culture, Fuller Theological Seminary