Christianity, Art and Transformation
Theological Aesthetics in the Struggle for Justice

This book explores the historical and contemporary relationship between the arts and Christianity.

John W. de Gruchy (Author)

9780521089500, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 November 2008

288 pages, 10 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.43 kg

Review of the hardback: '… a new and original and a very welcome addition to the subject.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Christianity, Art and Transformation explores the historical and contemporary relationship between the arts and Christianity with reference to the transformation of society. Several major themes are discussed, among them the power of images, the relationship between aesthetics and ethics, the nature of beauty and its redemptive capacity, aesthetic existence and Christian discipleship, and the role of art in the public square and in the life of the Church. The book is a contribution to the study of theological aesthetics from both an ecumenical and Reformed perspective, global in its scope yet rooted in the author's South African context.

Introduction
Part I. Historical Trajectories: 1. The power of sacred images
2. The beautiful, the ugly, and the holy
Part II. Theological Reflection: 3. The redemptive power of beauty
4. Restoring broken themes of praise
Part III. Aesthetic Praxis: 5. Art in the public square
6. Art in the life of the church
Select bibliography
Index of names
Index of subjects.

Subject Areas: Christianity [HRC], Art styles not defined by date [ACB]