Toward a Theology of Beauty: A Biblical Perspective

by Jo Ann Davidson

Overview

Over the centuries, theological studies have grappled with the comprehension of Truth and Goodness. However, theology, unlike philosophy, has neglected serious scrutiny of the study of Beauty or Aesthetics. Jo Ann Davidson's Toward a Theology of Beauty investigates this omission. Why should aesthetic dimensions be ignored in theology's quest for ultimate truth? Davidson convincingly states that these would contribute to the ongoing search for a more comprehensive perception of the divine. This book contends that theology is incomplete and impoverished without fundamental deliberations within aesthetic values. A survey of the literature up to the present currently reveals that theological studies, by and large, do not yet realize the extent to which it might be enriched by the biblical aesthetic. God's own nature, His Word in both Testaments including narratives, poetry, literary structures, and vocabulary are all embedded in aesthetic expressions. A systematic study of the biblical aesthetic is one that calls for attention and this book offers a solid and thought-provoking beginning.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761839477
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	04/02/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.08(h) x 0.72(d)

About the Author

Jo Ann Davidson is presently Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She completed her Ph.D. in Systematic and Biblical Theology in 2000, at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois where her major professor was the late Paul Feinberg. Her earlier training and teaching was in music, after earning a M.A. in Music from Andrews University. Davidson has published articles in the Andrews University Seminary Studies and the Journal of the Adventist Theological Society. She previously authored Jonah: The Inside Story, (Review and Herald Publishing, 2002).

Table of Contents

Part 1 Acknowledgements Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 The Aesthetic Nature of God Chapter 4 God as Architect Chapter 5 The Aesthetic Nature of Scripture: Literary Structures Chapter 6 The Aesthetic Nature of Scripture: Biblical Narratives Chapter 7 The Aesthetic Nature of Scripture: Biblical Poetry Chapter 8 The Aesthetic Nature of Scripture: Vocabulary Chapter 9 Toward a Theology of Beauty: Conclusions & Implications Part 10 Select Bibliography Part 11 Index Part 12 About the Author