Books

  • The Sexuality of Christ in Renaissance Art and in Modern Oblivion by Leo Steinberg

Amazon Product Description: Originally published in 1983, Leo Steinberg’s classic work has changed the viewing habits of a generation. After centuries of repression and censorship, the sexual component in thousands of revered icons of Christ is restored to visibility. Steinberg’s evidence resides in the imagery of the overtly sexed Christ, in Infancy and again after death. Steinberg argues that the artists regarded the deliberate exposure of Christ’s genitalia as an affirmation of kinship with the human condition. Christ’s lifelong virginity, understood as potency under check, and the first offer of blood in the circumcision, both required acknowledgment of the genital organ. More than exercises in realism, these unabashed images underscore the crucial theological import of the Incarnation. This revised and greatly expanded edition not only adduces new visual evidence, but deepens the theological argument and engages the controversy aroused by the book’s first publication.

  • Lamb by Christopher Moore
  • Why Religion Matters by Krista Tippett

  • Bible Illuminated: the Book New Testament

published by corporate author Forlaget Illuminated Sweden, uses vibrant color photographs that illuminate popular and, at times, controversial themes explored in the New Testament. This photo essay, published in magazine format, presents the New Testament in an updated, easy-to-read prose edition juxtaposed alongside photographs of startling beauty and incredible composition, with an exemplary, thematic biblical verse superimposed over the image. Bible Illuminated presents a stunning, modern critique of the Western hemisphere’s most influential work of literature, and provides a visually arresting interpretation of this classic text to contemporary readers. Amazon.com features a quote from J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in Southern California, which perfectly summarizes the role of the Bible in modern society: “It is impossible to understand the flow of Western culture and the development of its best institutions without grasping the Bible. Judged by its impact, historical importance and power to transform lives and cultures, the Bible simply towers over any other written document. It is no accident that it is the first book to be burned when a totalitarian regime arises. And the contents of the Bible contain a rich blend of spiritual, moral and practical insight, along with the wisdom needed to live a flourishing life. Indeed, for millions upon millions, including myself, the Bible is more than a mere human document–it is the very Word of God to humanity. For all these reasons, and many, many more, it is good when people read and reflect on the Bible. The Bible Illuminated provides a fresh opportunity to recognize the knowledge about reality. It brings the Bible to ordinary folk in a readable form and an attractive format.”