The Dwelling of the Light: Praying with Icons of Christ

Rowan Williams on Icons #1

by Rowan Williams

To look at an icon is to do far more than view a work of human art. As Orthodox Christians have understood for 1,500 years, it is a potentially life-changing encounter with God. In this attractive little book the former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams shows us how to understand four classical the Transfiguration; the Resurrection; Christ as one of the Trinity; and Christ the judge and ruler of all.

Genres: Christianity, Theology, Spirituality, Religion, Christian, Prayer, Nonfiction

107 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Rowan Douglas Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, is an Anglican bishop, poet, and theologian. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from December 2002-2012, and is now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge and Chancellor of the University of South Wales.

Reviews

[David S Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning little book and intro to iconography while contemplating Jesus.

“As we encounter these images in thought and prayer, we are shown the way to the dwelling of the light, deeper in everything than we can ever go, further beyond everything than we can ever go - yet here, directly and simply, in the face of Jesus.”

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short meditations on four icons. This is easy Rowan Williams (versus his more academic work) but you will still learn something. The very short introduction provides the clearest explanation of the iconoclastic controversy of the 8th century that I have read. Given its nature, there are no footnotes or bibliography.

[Ronald Schoedel III · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little book, to be read and pondered and digested, not zoomed through. As always, the reflections, thoughts, and meditations of Dr/Professor/Archbishop/Lord Williams are a treasure that we are all privileged to be let in on.

The subtitle of the book “praying with icons of Christ” might lead a reader to expect a tutorial on this matter. But the interpretation is more of an active “praying”, as in we are let in on Williams’ personal praying with these most well-known (thoroughly iconic?) icons. We see how we can gaze on and into and through the icons and reflect on the deep truths that well-up from within as the spirit guides us into deeper understandings.

Of course, icons are most typically encountered in the personal piety of eastern Christianity, certainly to a lesser extent in the west. So for an Archbishop of Canterbury to be reflecting on icons is in itself fascinating and shows the universality of this practice, for those who could find it meaningful. Williams is a preëminent scholarly expert in Orthodox Christianity. On the other hand, my experience with icons is limited to occasionally having seen some in churches whilst in Europe on holiday. But I’ve always been intrigued and somewhat moved by many of them. Not coming to the subject of icons with much knowledge or history at all, I am no expert in the subtleties and nuances of the way the iconographers portray certain elements to convey certain meanings (such as hand positions, direction of gazes, etc). This little book let a complete newbie in on some of these meanings, which was most enlightening.

I’ll return to this book for sure, because everything Williams writes deserves to be pondered upon and studied again and again. He’s truly one of the sharpest and most spiritually in tune minds in Christendom. I love that a man of such great learning and wisdom and scholarship is also a man of deep spirituality and intimacy with God, and that we have the opportunity to benefit from his insights and personal prayers.

[Mark Einselen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the best Rowan Williams book, but that certainly doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd time around for this one. Superb meditations on some the aspects found within the transfiguration, the resurrection, Christ as one of the eternal Trinity in Rublev's "the hospitality of Abraham", and Christ pantocrator.

[Eleanor Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating mediations on the four main kinds of icons used in the orthodox tradition. Williams simply explains their purposes, artistic composition and underlying messages of the scenes, clearing up some of the mystery and confusion surrounding them.

[Jenna Watson]

“To know something is to become alert to God’s outreach within it.”

[Sharron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written book.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming from a Roman Catholic background, this was a quick and beautiful read that made me appreciate icons even more.

[Jacob Aitken]

Icons are never representational portraits. They are actions that are open to God’s actions (xvii).

On the transfiguration days: In Jesus the world or “ordinary time” is not destroyed, but it is broken up and reconnected;
Decent approach to Christian aesthics, but placed within the context of ontology and prayer. Williams rehashes the standard arguments for and against icons. What makes the book stand out is his meditations on what the icon is saying to us.

it works no longer in straight lines, but in layers and spirals of meaning (8-9). ..that light shines on the far side of the world’s limits, the dawn of the eigth day.

The light in the icon is not a created light, but an uncreated light that alters creation because it is not of it (13). The boundaries of space and time are broken and reconnected in Christ. They do not close in upon themselves, of themselves. The environment becomes charged with possibilities we can’t even know about…yet.

Williams’ chapter on the icon of the Resurrection is not merely a description of the icon per se, but a theology of the Resurrection’s impact on history. “The risen Jesus takes hold of the history of God’s people and brings it to completeness” (33).

Andre Rublev’s icon of the Trinity, despite some obvious problems, reinforces a key truth about Jesus. In the icon we can’t look at any of the figures in the face. We are not simply in a “one-to-one” relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Christ, as the gospel of John tells us, is to point us toward the Father. We never experience the Trinity in a static manner: drawn by the Son into the Father, drawn into the Father’s breathing of the Spirit so that the life of the Son may be made real again. Action and contemplation become one.

[Longfellow · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this short book (83 pages), Williams reflects on the spiritual significance and potential theological meanings of four icons of the Church, The Transfiguration, The Resurrection, The Hospitality of Abraham, and the Pantocrator.

He concludes that The Transfiguration signifies that the connection of the Divine to the natural world of humanity is ever-present, and that God--as was shown through Christ--can and may break through to our lives at any time.

The Resurrection icon shows that through Christ broken connections are re-established; Christ reaching out to Adam and Eve symbolizes a transcendence of time, restoring all to the possibility of life together with God. Though Williams doesn’t use the words “salvation” and “redemption,” I think it’s fair to say that these doctrinal vocabulary concepts are implied, though his reflection offers a deeper, richer perspective than these single words usually convey.

The Hospitality of Abraham is an icon of the three angels that visited Abraham in Genesis 18, but Williams reflection is focused on this image as symbolic of the Trinity, particularly its unity as one entity, the Son looking toward the Father, the Spirit urging the viewer to realize the Son. The Trinity is not three personalities but one.

The Pantocrator is an image of Christ looking at the viewer. This reminds us that He sees the image of God in us and encourages us to remember that this image is in each of us. Realizing this, we aim both to let this light into the world and to see through to this oft-obscured light in others and recognize God’s image in all.

These reflections can be read quickly if one desires, as Williams uses straightforward language and avoids the overly complex sentence structures that gave me trouble in the other book of his I read, Why Study History?

[Nathan Duffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read, but a little lacking in length -- the subject matter could have been developed more thoroughly. With Andrei Rublev's 'Hospitality of Abraham' icon, Williams does a good job discussing the icon specifically, but in other instances -- such as the icon of the resurrection -- he uses it as an opportunity to opine about the resurrection generally. Which is not a problem per se, as his theological reflections are sound and well-written, but it somewhat misses the richness of icon qua icon.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

T'was an interesting read. Alot of concepts I still don't necessarily understand, but gave a light into the use of icons, and prayerfulness of icons. It dealt specifically with four famous icons, of which I have two at home, and how one can use them in their own prayer life. It helps to lay aside fears some may have in using icons, but to raise questions to those who do use icons in their own lives.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book, physically as well as word-wise. Williams does a wonderful job of explaining the background, history, and craft of specific icons in terms that work for a Protestant. It's intellectually stimulating and devotional at the same time.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I brought this along as a sort of guide to meditation and reflection on a retreat, which was very beneficial. I wish that Archbishop Williams had put together more of these little books.

[Trey Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great dive into icons, understanding them, and praying with them.