A Redemptive Theology of Art

<p><em>A Redemptive Theology of Art </em>develops a biblical systematic and practical theology of aesthetics. It begins with the roots and ontology of aesthetics (vs. art) and the architecture and narrative of affection and passion their woes and their glory.</p><p>Those who would search the Bible find little support for art as commonly conceived in the West. The language of aesthetics applied to the maker's intentions the qualities of the work and the responses of the audience better addresses the questions of beauty and better suits the discussion of human actions beliefs and culture than the language of art does. The Bible yields more consistent and helpful answers to questions about the broader category of aesthetics than it does to questions about art; leading in turn to better questions and a more practical and theological appreciation of human affections beauty and delight and the many paths by which people including Christians pursue them.</p><p>Using the categories and definitions from Scripture Covington gives hope and help not only for those who labor in the arts but for everyone who cares about the passions that motivate us. We were made for God's delight and though sin and bondage plague our passions God can shape our fun feelings desires affections and aversions. Feelings are neither objective nor subjective; they are redeemable. Borrowing key ideas from other Christian writers on the arts or aesthetics Covington explores the connection between orthodox Protestant theology and a responsible respectful treatment of arts artists and all aesthetic fields of human work and speech.</p>