Jerram Barr has written an excellent treatment of the Christian's approach to the arts in his new book ECHOES OF EDEN. Barr explores the Bible to show that human beings, believers and unbelievers alike, were created to be sub-creators in the image of God. This means that all people have the ability to create in a way that reflects something of the character of God.
Barr looks at the biblical responsibility of the Christian artist, as well as how to discern good art. He even looks at some of the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling. Lewis is quoted quite a bit throughout, and, as a fan of the Harry Potter series, I really appreciated his treatment of it. There's even an appendix at the end discussing Rowling's decision to suggest that Dumbledore was homosexual after the book series was finished.
I picked up this book because Timothy Keller had high praises for it, and Keller is one of my favorite authors. The book does not disappoint. It's a great book for Christians and anyone interested in the overarching themes of art and literature throughout history, with a particular focus on how art has reflected the redemptive history initiated by God.
Review copy provided by Crossway Books
Photo Credit: Crossway Books
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