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

by David A Covington

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.

Genres: Theology, Art, Philosophy, Christian

240 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

Reviews

[Michael Cassity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Covington’s excellent work on biblical aesthetics has long been needed, filling a critical gap for those who study the Bible seriously and apply its teaching to the way they think, live, and worship. Covington challenges us to read the Bible and see that its stories, its images, its prophecies, indeed the nature of the Word itself is a breathtaking exploration of God’s beauty. Indeed, the author concludes his book with a chapter on “Taste,” and “Seeing,” developing a cultural sensitivity toward what is beautiful and what is not. For twenty-five years, I was privileged to lead a well-attended weekly Bible study, a memorable time of great joy. I wish now that I had included more on the beauty of the Scriptures, the pure rhetorical value of biblical aesthetics as we studied the Bible verse by verse. But then, I didn’t have Covington’s book to show me the way. No excuse for you. Get the book.

[Anna Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction sets readers up for hero's journey with many side-plots, all of which trace the same unifying narrative arc of redemption. Covington is handing the Christian church treasure buried in the field beneath our feet, unearthed from a lifetime of honest grapplings as a musician and a faithful reader of even the gritty parts of the Old Testament. One or two reviewers may call the book repetitive; I found it to illustrate a principle Felix Mendelssohn put to words: "The essence of the beautiful is unity in variety." One of the plot threads follows the memoir of a musician-husband, together with his singing bride, and what kind of marriage they created when the Bible "discipled" not only their taste in music but also their perception of one another. Another thread takes us through the dramatic reversal of perspective that happened mid-graduate school when, in Covington's words, "Instead the Bible probed me, changed me, and changed my questions. We do not master songwriting or beauty or aesthetics; the Beautiful One masters us. And it's a bigger job than we thought. Thus began the fuel-injected, turbocharged academic-devotional ride of a lifetime" (21). Chapters 4 and 5 are my favorites in which Covington writes what the Hebrew word translated "BEHOLD" really ought to mean. The "glory Triad" also blew my mind, and since reading chapter 5 I see glory triads everywhere, in a way that really has transformed my work as an artist, a lover of nature, and a worshipper of the Triune God. Covington has treasured up a lifetime engaging with these topics and the result is a gourmet meal you can't possibly digest in one sitting. Give yourself time to savor each bite. It is accessible, funny, and jaw-dropping in its implications. It launched me into a freedom to discern and enjoy good art, fine wine, and enter marriage in a Christian culture that often shrugs its shoulders at the role that artistic or aesthetic tastes play in the journey of following Jesus.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francis Schaeffer, in “Escape from Reason,” observed that as we humans strive to express freedom in an autonomous fashion, much of our art becomes meaningless and ugly. David Covington’s thoughtful reflection of how aesthetics starts with God’s aesthetics in “A Redemptive Theology of Art,” restores meaning and beauty to our understanding of art. I was privileged to get to read this gem pre-publication. Don't miss it, especially if you want to think more clearly about art from a theological point of view.

[Harry Allagree · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was much that I found interesting, even helpful, in this book. It is well written & reflects deep conviction. Nevertheless, I found it a bit too academically wordy & ponderous, particularly the first couple of chapters. It seemed to me that the author had a preconceived circular perspective, then attempted to squeeze it into a square justifying slot. A lot of the book, particularly the last half or so, seemed like simply a Bible study on the book's theme, and perhaps that was its point. The book, I feel, will appeal pretty much (and predictably) to an evangelical audience. The perspective is clearly what is generally described as "evangelical", a perspective to which I relate somewhat uncomfortably. Nevertheless, that the Creative Being which many call God is the Source behind aesthetics/art in human beings is a belief that I hold. Some of the other conclusions which are drawn in the book, I simply don't share...even though David has been a friend of mine for over thirty years.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This provides a lot to chew on regarding aesthetics/art, viewing it through God’s eyes as we are created in his image, how he restores our own eyes and tastes for goodness as he redeems us in Christ. Covington also writes in an enjoyable style with his own personal applications. As interesting it is, I also found it to be repetitive.

[Eliana]

This really needed a better (or more thorough) editor and about a hundred less pages. I think the argument is there, and helpful, but it’s poorly written / structured, in addition to being insanely repetitive, which makes it difficult to follow and engage with.

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

flop

[Sam Nesbitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

See upcoming review in the Westminster Theological Journal