Robin M. Jensen

Abundantly More

Theology

“Abundantly More is not simply a justification of the literary, visual, and musical arts. Begbie insists that the arts do far more than give us delight. They also undermine the idea that human reason alone is capable of understanding our universe and invite us to encounter and engage the inexhaustible beauty and incomprehensible mystery of what cannot be defined.”

Ancient Christian Worship

History & Biography

“Andrew McGowan provides a clear and beautifully written introduction to ancient Christian worship. All readers, from beginners to those more advanced, will be rewarded by both his erudition and his insight. This work justifiably will be cherished by students and teachers alike for generations to come.”

Christ among Us

Arts & Literature

“This collaborative project of two prominent art historians leads its readers on a visually rich and verbally edifying tour of sculpted representations of Christ through the centuries. From the first to the last, the curators of this imagined exhibition have selected outstandingly beautiful works that also exemplify a range of theological expressions. The result is a gorgeous book that inspires, teaches, and delights.”

Christ the Miracle Worker in Early Christian Art

Arts & Literature

“Lee Jefferson’s work successfully integrates the textual and visual evidence for early Christian teaching about Jesus as healer and miracle worker. Most of all, he shows that consideration of early Christian art is a critical component of our understanding of early Christian practice and theology.”

Christian Women in the Patristic World

Theology

“This engaging and readable study of early Christian women is especially appealing because of its attention to a selection of fascinating characters. By adopting this kind of biographical approach, while still supporting their stories with excellent scholarly analysis and helpful historical context, Cohick and Hughes make their subjects--and their times and places--come alive.”

Early North African Christianity

Theology

“Eastman's deep knowledge and love of his subject are evident on every page of this both learned and accessible book. Above all, this work offers a compelling and insightful introduction to the faith, context, and practices of early African Christianity that will enrich readers' grasp of its decisive influence on the legacy of the Western church.”

God in the Gallery

Christian Living

“In these beautifully crafted essays, Siedell brings the eye of the curator, the intellect of the critic, and the passion of the believer to a much-misunderstood subject. The reader is rewarded with a clear, sharply critical, theologically astute, and decisive apologia for the essential contribution of contemporary art to the life of faith.”

Her Preaching Body

Preaching & Worship

“Through vivid examples and sophisticated analysis, McCullough effectively argues that if Christian preaching’s primary subject is the embodied Word of God, the preacher’s body is central to her message. While this book attends particularly to women’s bodies in (and out) of the pulpit, it more broadly demonstrates the ways that social constructions of gender both hinder and enhance the preacher’s ability to communicate and either inhibit or facilitate authentic self-expression.”

In the Beauty of Holiness

Arts & Literature

“Jeffrey’s richly illustrated and truly learned study of the complex relationship between visual art and Christian theology and practice begins with an examination of the place of beauty in striving for holiness and ends with examples of artistic rebellion against traditional faith and—finally—the return of the transcendentals. An indispensable contribution to the conversation among artists and theologians.”

Jesus, Paul, Luke-Acts, and 1 Clement

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Readers will appreciate David Balch’s attention to the cultural and material context of early Christianity and his conviction that their surroundings not only influenced writers of early Christian texts but that they also can illuminate our understanding of those texts.”

Mother of the Lamb

Arts & Literature

“This captivating book invites readers on a spiritual adventure. Starting from his own first encounter as a young scholar, the author introduces us to a special icon: the Virgin of the Passion. This extraordinary image witnessed both the glory and the downfall of an empire, providing both protection and succor. As her story unfolds, we understand her unparalleled power to humble the proud, to encourage the meek, and to console the defeated.”

Sanctifying Art

Arts & Literature

“Deborah Sokolove has given us a rare gift. She has articulated her belief in the value and purpose of art in language that is fresh, convincing, and--perhaps most of all--accessible to and respectful of a lay reader. This is obviously a work of love, and it is a great joy to read!”

Saving Images

Preaching & Worship

“Gordon Lathrop’s new work urges the faithful to comprehend the scriptures in multi-sensual ways. The Bible is a text we read and we hear, but also one we enact, experience, engage, and envision in the actions of communal worship. Lathrop invites us to see and take delight with our eyes as well as our minds, and prompts us to notice and relish the sacred images in our written texts as well as those on wall and windows.”

Senses of Devotion

World Religions

“This important study describes encounters and conversations that all readers will want to share and even replicate. Dyrness opens the way, sensitively and wisely avoiding common suppositions, undermining stereotypes, and keeping focused on actual practice as he pursues an eye-opening subject: the nonverbal dimensions of religious practice in other faith traditions. Among the rich rewards this book gives is a better perspective on ourselves.”

The Portal of Beauty

Theology

“Bruno Forte's lucid and eloquent account of beauty's place in theological and artistic expression inspires the reader to reflect more profoundly about the nature, source, and end of this infinite yet intimate means of Divine encounter. We are reminded that beauty is both transcendent and terrifying, calling us to consciousness of our mortality. At the same time, beauty is the assurance of God's presence to, in, and beyond human existence.”

Visual Arts in the Worshiping Church

Preaching & Worship

“Lisa DeBoer's wise and insightful volume is an indispensable resource for anyone who believes that art can enrich the worship and deepen the faith of individuals and congregations alike. Her sensitive consideration of the practices of different Christian communities is especially valuable, opening up the conversation and inviting readers to learn from the experiences of others. This readable and accessible work is both challenging and encouraging.”