Imagination: Embracing a theology of wonder

by Cheryl Forbes

Book by Forbes, Cheryl

199 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Julia Zhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for those who consider themselves Christians, especially -- more in need of healing from what religion has done to them in so many different ways. This wonderful book explains logically and intuitively, and with wonder, how Imagination is the Imago Dei -- Christ within us.

[Rusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheryl Forbes is a delightfully engaging writer. The book is interposed with a fairy tale story that at first seems to intrude but there is design that becomes apparent as you continue to read. The most important take a way for me was her discussion of how imagination can be used to anticipate the needs of others, making yourself into a living metaphor, and from the chapter 'Beauty is the Benchmark' how to turn the mundane into something exciting. I agree with the author that memory is a key to unlocking more of our imagination. For a good work on that subject I would recommend Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer. These ideas alone are worth reading the book.

One word of caution. The authors claim that imagination is the Imagio Dei coupled with her belief that imagination alone is enough to arrive at correct theology should be taken with a grain or two of salt. I applaud her thoughts on how to improve our use of imagination, but if I am to make best use of my imagination to bring me closer to the truths of God I must submit my imaginations to the community of the faithful believing church. This she makes no mention of. I can certainly understand how one can become enchanted with imagination as the Imagio Dei since it is a unique and powerful human characteristic that we share with our Creator God. But looking for God's image in humans as shared characteristics is only one way to answer the question, "what is the image of God in humanity?" It is a larger issue than shared characteristics. That said I think Cheryl Forbes has contributed much to contemplate on in the discussion of the Imagio Dei.