Images of Redemption: Understanding Soteriology Through Art and Literature

(Paperback)

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After discussing the "arts of redemption" and their rivals, and introducing soteriology, the theology of salvation, Patrick Sherry argues that the Christian "Drama of Redemption" has three Acts. The next five chapters discuss the three Acts, namely salvation history, our present human life, and the life to come. In each case, Sherry explains how art and literature can lead to an understanding of what is at stake here. His main concern is with the present life: hence three of those chapters deal with that phase of redemption, one of them specifically with "novels of redemption." The last substantial chapter of the book takes up the general issue of how art and literature contribute to religious understanding: Sherry argues that they may be primary expressions of religious belief, as well as "illustrations," and that as such they may criticise or complement theology, or in turn be open to criticism themselves from that quarter. Finally, he summarises the main theme and briefly discusses some of the particular problems of assessing the arts of redemption.The book's most distinctive feature is the way in which it uses art and literature as a means of religious and theological understanding. It is not a survey of the arts of redemption, though it uses a wide variety of examples, including ancient Greek drama, Flemish and Italian painting, religious music, and 19th -20th century novels. These examples are used as a tool for understanding what is one of the most difficult areas of theology.

Reviews

"This is a book of gentle wisdom marked by a gracious tone, an ecumenical spirit, and a refreshing lack of jargon. Sherry's treatment of particular works of art is full of the kind of discernment one would expect from a scholar very well versed in aesthetics and theology. Perhaps the books greatest value is demonstrating clearly what theologians are often reluctant to admit - that the arts have their own distinctive capacities to help us understand the dynamics of Christian faith." --Church Times 08/08/03
'a detailed survey...it is difficult to do justice to the full extent of Sherry's argument; or indeed to the number of valuable insights that incidentally emerge' * Irish Theological Quarterly *
'especially pertinent topic to read about if involved in the arts, or a lover of the arts... this book is an encouragment to go away and find further examples of soteriotolgical themes in the arts and Sherry invites the reader to do so' -- Esther Jervis * Themelios *

Author Bio

Patrick Sherry is Professor of Philosophical Theology, Lancaster University, UK.