The Ecumenism of Beauty

In this gorgeously illustrated book, art historian Verdon calls for Christians of different traditions to unite through their relationship with the arts. In a collection of essays written by Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox theologians and scholars, the book explains why visual beauty has a place in the church and explores the important distinction between expressing the gospel through art and worshiping art itself, considering the work as if it holds miraculous powers. In her excellent essay “For Now We See Through a Glass, Darkly,” visual artist Susan Kanaga invites readers into an intimate consideration of her vocation, explaining how her struggle to capture the “presence of absence” and “a formless form” led her to abstract expression: “I believe abstract sacred art, driven by the Holy Spirit, allows the artist to communicate beauty and truth and bridge the gap between faith traditions.” Other essays explore topics such as Calvin’s oft-misunderstood take on religious images and Greek artist Fotis Kontoglou’s views of Byzantine art. Publishing to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, this collection will appeal to readers who want to examine faith and art from a Protestant and Catholic perspective. (May)