Art and the Beauty of God: A Christian Understanding

by Richard Harries

British bishop argues for a distinctively Christian approach to art.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Art, Religion, Art History

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 1994

About the author

Richard Douglas Harries, Baron Harries of Pentregarth (1936–2026), was a bishop of the Church of England and a British Army officer. He was the Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006. From 2008 until 2012 he was the Gresham Professor of Divinity.

Reviews

[Jordan B Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-articulated and brief study of the topic. It's worth a read for anyone interested in theological aesthetics.

[Amy Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with clarity and defined purpose, this book merges theology with ideas of experiencing and creating art. Using examples from Russian Orthodox icons to Francis Bacon, Harries explains his profound points throughout with references to art as well as literature in a way that is relevant and precise. A very readable textbook.