For many Christians “Christian art” is superfluous, if not downright distracting or even idolatrous. For many artists “Christian art” is clichéd, simplistic or endlessly redundant, often lacking the personal imprint of known historical artists and certainly out of the current cultural mainstream. To the attuned student of both religion and the arts, however, the interrelationship of Christianity and the visual arts is utterly compelling. Like the double-helix structure of DNA, the arts have historically intertwined with Christian theology, ecclesiology, liturgy, and missiology. During the Church’s first millennium developments in the arts paralleled and facilitated Christianity’s thrusts into Jewish, Greco-Roman, African, Celtic, Slavic and Germanic cultures. Across many of today’s manifold Christian denominations ancient symbols and art forms retain their currency: the fish, cross, Chi-Rho, halo and mandorla; the basilica, stained glass, clerical vestments and decorated Bibles. Much that was ancient is new again as Christian denominations and congregations search for religious roots and authenticity and variety of expression.

Additional readings will be provided throughout the course.

Classroom Performance:
Although I will spend much class time presenting course information, especially early on, you are expected to be an active participant from day one. Asking questions, contributing to discussions, answering questions, and otherwise actively engaging in each class session is vital to your success. Also, I expect promptness in arrival before class, since I will begin each class promptly. Two late arrivals will constitute an absence for the record, and three absences will lower your final grade by a full grade. Exceptions will, of course, be made for Provost-excused or athletic activities.