Gospel as Work of Art: Imaginative Truth and the Open Text

A lushly illustrated, magisterial exploration of the imaginative truth of the gospel In the modern academy, truth and imagination are thought to be mutually exclusive. But what if truth can spring from other fonts, like art, literature, and invention? The legacy of the Enlightenment favors historical and empirical inquiry above all other methods for searching for truth. But this assumption constrains our theological explorations. Though the historicity of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection is important, it is not the only thing that matters. For instance, is John's Gospel any less "true" than the Synoptics just because it's less historically accurate? David Brown challenges us to expand our understanding of the gospel past source criticism and historical Jesus studies to include works of imagination. Reading Scripture in tandem with works of art throughout the centuries, Brown reenvisions the gospel as an open text. Scholars of theology and biblical studies, freed from literalism, will find new avenues of revelation in Gospel as Work of Art. This volume includes over one hundred color illustrations.

About the Author :
David William Brown, FRSE, FBA is an Anglican priest and British scholar of philosophy, theology, religion, and the arts. He has taught at the universities of Oxford, Durham, and St. Andrews.

Review :
Scottish Journal of Theology "This landmark contribution challenges us to reconsider biblical interpretation while inviting us into a more imaginatively engaged theological future." Interpretation "David Brown's book is a work of art in itself: vellum dust jacket, paper that is elegant to the touch, color illustrations, white space on the page. . . . By highlighting the artistry of the Gospel creators, Brown offers us a path to a new vision of Scripture and a new way of making the story of Jesus Christ relevant for today." Church Times "This book is a massive achievement, which will be read with enjoyment and profit by anyone concerned with the interface of the Bible and wider culture." ​The Expository Times "This is a very beautiful book, both in visual presentation and in the vision with which its renowned author writes. Few can even approach David Brown in combination of breadth and depth." CHOICE This is more a work of meditation and reflection than an academic study. It would be most valuable in a liturgical or meditative environment such as a church or chancery: it is not primarily intended for scholarly or academic purposes. . . . Highly recommended." "This is a big book with big ideas. It is also at points profound. Anyone interested in Christian theology--in what it has been and what it might become--must ponder Brown's wide-ranging, historically learned, beautifully illustrated, thought-provoking pages. Even the most erudite will find an education here." --Dale C. Allison Jr., Princeton Theological Seminary "In this beautifully illustrated and ambitious volume, David Brown convincingly argues that 'reading' the gospel through visual images indicates the inventive and imaginative nature of the gospel writers. Theologians, biblical historians, and art historians are challenged to consider this premise and rediscover the interconnectivity of word and image for today's academic and Christian communities." --Heidi J. Hornik, Baylor University