HIS4100EN - Religious Art in the Judeo-Christian Tradition

Course description

A focus on religious art in the Judeo-Christian tradition, including ancient Jewish and early Christian art, as well as tracing the later developments of Christian art through the ages. The course also addresses issues of debate and controversy regarding religious art in the monotheistic traditions of Judaism and Christianity, such as the iconoclastic conflict and the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787. The distinct eastern and western traditions that emerge in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions are highlighted, as well as the effect of the Protestant Reformers on Christian art in the West.

How this course benefits students

This course gives the student the background to understand and critique religious art throughout the centuries.

Why this course is important

Whether appreciated, disliked, or misunderstood, art has always been a constant in the Judeo-Christian tradition. This course provides the student with the tools to understand and appreciate the role art has played in expressing doctrine, conveying the human condition, and glorifying the work of God.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Historical Studies
Educational level
Bachelor
Learning type
Instructional
Prerequisites
None
Upcoming terms
Pending
* Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Registrar's office with schedule questions.
Professor
Dr. Stamenka Antonova, Professor of Early Christianity

How this course relates to missional core values

Biblically based

The course confirms the Biblical affirmation of art and beauty.

Missionally driven

Art, and especially an understanding of religious art, provides bridges for connecting with people of all religious backgrounds.

Contextually informed

The course examines both the trans-cultural aspects of Judeo-Christian art and cultural expressions of the same.

Interculturally focused

Exploring a variety of cultural expressions of Judeo-Christian art provides insight into the global nature of the gospel.

Practically minded

Understanding and appreciating art can provide the student with ways to engage others in spiritual conversations.

Experientially transformed

Many students experience, for the first time, an appreciation of art in the Judeo-Christian traditions.