Divine Generosity and Human Creativity

‘David Brown helps us regard art and imagination as truly and irreducibly constructive (though not beyond criticism), and as potentially part of genuine critique—even when ignored almost completely by much of academic theology. There is no one I would rather be reading, or have students of theology and the arts be taking into full consideration. In fact, I’ve never read a theologian more informed—and more "generous"—in insisting on the integral connection between theology, the arts, and imagination.’ – Frank Burch Brown, Frederick Doyle Kershner Professor Emeritus of Religion and the Arts, Christian Theological Seminary, USA

‘In this important volume of essays David Brown works to widen the avenues of exchange between theology and the arts, getting the traffic between the two to move more freely in both directions and to carry heavier freight in the process. Brown’s writing is irenic and erudite, drawing insights from an astonishing range of biblical, theological and art historical studies into new, mutually enriching dialogue.’ – Jonathan A. Anderson, associate professor of art, Biola University, USA

‘An excellent introduction to the work of David Brown, these essays offer great insight into the theoretical principles and criteria undergirding his writings on human creativity and the imagination. The central idea in Brown's work, which is the intrinsic, sacramental relationship of revelation and imagination, will prove to be a significant starting point for new theological developments in the years to come.’ – Stephan van Erp, professor of fundamental theology, KU Leuven, Belgium

‘This is a wonderfully liberating way of looking at religious art that reflects a truth often lost through a tradition of rehearsed dogma and doctrine. Anyone looking for a way in to such a rich and rewarding area of study should look no further.’ – Stephen Miller in Reading Religion

‘A Renaissance man in a time of ever-growing specialisation, Brown’s work impresses in scope, research, energy and erudition... His knowledge is breath-taking.’ – Gesa E. Thiessen in New Blackfriars

‘... a powerful, very readable, and at times quietly subversive exercise in theological aesthetics.’ – Graham Howes in Theology

‘This collection of essays is accessible and well written, offering an introduction to Brown’s thought while also allowing those familiar with his work to delve deeper into his ideas. As always, his work is theologically rigorous while being grounded in the practice of art and wider human experience.’ – Sarah Schumacher in The Living Church

‘David Brown helps us regard art and imagination as truly and irreducibly constructive (though not beyond criticism), and as potentially part of genuine critique—even when ignored almost completely by much of academic theology. There is no one I would rather be reading, or have students of theology and the arts be taking into full consideration. In fact, I’ve never read a theologian more informed—and more "generous"—in insisting on the integral connection between theology, the arts, and imagination.’ – Frank Burch Brown, Frederick Doyle Kershner Professor Emeritus of Religion and the Arts, Christian Theological Seminary, USA

‘In this important volume of essays David Brown works to widen the avenues of exchange between theology and the arts, getting the traffic between the two to move more freely in both directions and to carry heavier freight in the process. Brown’s writing is irenic and erudite, drawing insights from an astonishing range of biblical, theological and art historical studies into new, mutually enriching dialogue.’ – Jonathan A. Anderson, associate professor of art, Biola University, USA

‘An excellent introduction to the work of David Brown, these essays offer great insight into the theoretical principles and criteria undergirding his writings on human creativity and the imagination. The central idea in Brown's work, which is the intrinsic, sacramental relationship of revelation and imagination, will prove to be a significant starting point for new theological developments in the years to come.’ – Stephan van Erp, professor of fundamental theology, KU Leuven, Belgium

‘This is a wonderfully liberating way of looking at religious art that reflects a truth often lost through a tradition of rehearsed dogma and doctrine. Anyone looking for a way in to such a rich and rewarding area of study should look no further.’ – Stephen Miller in Reading Religion

‘A Renaissance man in a time of ever-growing specialisation, Brown’s work impresses in scope, research, energy and erudition... His knowledge is breath-taking.’ – Gesa E. Thiessen in New Blackfriars

‘... a powerful, very readable, and at times quietly subversive exercise in theological aesthetics.’ – Graham Howes in Theology

‘This collection of essays is accessible and well written, offering an introduction to Brown’s thought while also allowing those familiar with his work to delve deeper into his ideas. As always, his work is theologically rigorous while being grounded in the practice of art and wider human experience.’ – Sarah Schumacher in The Living Church"In this collection of essays by David Brown, he repeatedly and convincingly demonstrates that imagination, creativity, and the arts are essential to the practice and exploration of theology as a whole. Symbiotically connected, these arenas are richer when encountered together and when mutuality is acknowledged and amplified. Brown's essays get to the heart of some of the most difficult themes in theology and the arts with a satisfying swiftness." -Ayla Lepine, in Arts and Christianity