Bible, Art, Imagine, Dialogue

Catalog description

Taught by ABSW. How can art, creativity, and imagination help us be better Bible readers, preachers, and teachers? This immersion course brings students into a dynamic conversation between biblical scholars and artists engaging the Word of God. We will engage what scholars are calling "visual exegesis" of the Bible, its relationship to other modes of biblical exegesis, and its potential for preaching and Bible study in local churches. The class will be structured around case studies of contemporary artists from different backgrounds (Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and secular) as well as site visits to local depositories of sacred art. Topics include biblical characters and symbolism, social justice and the arts, interreligious dialogue, and the theologies and cultural contexts of different artists. Requirements: short visual-exegetical reflections shared in class (80%) and a practicum project on bringing this method into your own ministry and context (20%). Class meets weeknights June 18-29, 2018; 6:10pm to 9:40 pm.