A Redemptive Theology of Art: Restoring Godly Aesthetics to Doctrine and Culture

(Paperback)

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A Redemptive Theology of Art 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.

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.

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.

Reviews

'David Covington has given us a remarkable window onto the Bibles take on aesthetics. He gently but firmly deflates adages such as beauty is in the eye of the beholder and other subjective judgments, but without demeaning the spirit from which they are generated. A thoroughly elevating read.' * William Edgar, professor of apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary *
'I have long wished that somebody would write a Bible-centered study of art, applying to aesthetics the trinitarian three-perspective approach that Vern Poythress and I have developed. This book fulfills my wish. I recommend it not just to artists but to anyone who seeks to know God as he truly is.' * John Frame, professor of systematic theology and philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary *
'This book is the hinge book that transforms the entire field of aesthetics, art, and human delight through the reality of God, manifest in the work of Christ. We have needed it, and now it exists, a legacy for generations.' * Rev. Dr. Vern Poythress, professor of New Testament interpretation, Westminster Theological Seminary *
'Covington approaches the complexity and transcendence of aesthetics and the arts the way only a sensitive creator can. His love for art, imagination, and creation, combined with his excitement about Gods intention for these things, lends a unique and vibrant shimmer to his words and thoughts on the subject.' * Daniel Goans, singer-songwriter; member of Lowland Hum *
'Covingtons love for God and music fires his conviction that truth and beauty, mind and passion, belong together. His keen eye for the brokenness of all things in and around us fires his conviction that the healthy reintegration of these gifts depends on Gods healing power, mediated to us by his Word and gospel. Join him in his searching exploration.' * Charles D. Drew, singer; author; founding pastor, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Manhattan *
'Covington joins generations of creative minds in engaging not only with culture but with the beauty of Gods truth through the eyes of an aesthetic practitioner. A deeply caring and good read. I recommend it wholeheartedly for artist and hearer alike.' * Jerry Eisley, founder and director, Washington Arts Group; founder and director, Eisley Fine Art *
'Covington asks the questions worth asking about how beauty, ugliness, pleasure, passion, and meaning all filter into our everyday lives, and what the Bible has to say about it. I appreciate his gentle tone, his vivid prose, his grasp on theory without letting it get too abstract. But what stands out to me is his God-centered and biblical approach. This is a book worth reading and reflecting on.' * Dr. Ted Turneau, Global Scholars Teaching Fellow, Cultural and Religious Studies School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Anglo-American University, Prague *
'Written with both intellectual integrity and artistic sensitivity, which is hard to find. Covington has given us a wonderful and needed contribution to the discussion on beauty, art, and faith. He cares deeply about both art and theology, and leads us to reexamine how our desires and passions in life and art can lead us back to God.' * Rev. Joel Pelsue, president, Arts and Entertainment Ministries *
'Art that reveres the divine is more than shuffling around labels of adoration. Calling for a sincere and authentic expression of love, this book is a heartfelt reminder to seek out the redemptive quality in everything we do.' * Noel Paul Stookey, member of Peter, Paul, and Mary *
'If you are an artist, or know one, or have ever wondered how to appreciate or evaluate or understand the purpose of art in any form as a follower of Christ, you need to read this book. This is the fraternal twin of Coram Deo. Liberating, refreshing, and worshipful!' * Elizabeth Groves, lecturer in biblical Hebrew, Westminster Theological Seminary *
'Covington is a musician, a husband, and a true lover of Scripture. The decades he has spent integrating those callings makes this book a masterpiece. He equips those of us who want to take to heart Gods aesthetic preferences, even as we read the more jarring passages of the Old Testament and our lives.' * Anna Shea, guest lecturer on the intersection between science, theology, and poetry, Pepperdine University and Evangelical Seminary *

Author Bio

David A. Covington (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a singer and songwriter. He studied art and music at UCLA, made several albums, and hit the road with his wife, Sharon, as a touring duo, Covington & Covington, singing and speaking at colleges, clubs, conferences, retreats, churches, and schools around the United States and in Russia. His musical interests drew him to study biblical aesthetics, first at LAbri in Switzerland and then at Westminster Theological Seminary. Together David and Sharon counsel and teach for church and schools, keep writing and recording, and mentor young Christian grad students at the Trinity Forum Academy. They now reside on their homestead in the Sierra Nevada mountains.