a thoughtful, thought-provoking book, this title provided a helpful history of the church and art, reviewed contemporary art and some christian responses.

the chapter on biblical terminology for ``beauty'' was really helpful; there isn't a word in hebrew for aesthetic beauty as we think of it. the concept of beauty is always tied with integrity, uprightness, righteousness, appropriateness, being just, loving, merciful, or holy.

dyrness also looks at possible roles art could play in christian discipleship, or in cultivating a sense of ethical discernment. he interacts with elaine scary's ``on beauty and being just'' but thinks that her more humanistic approach doesn't have an adequate basis for either beauty or justice.

i need to take time to re-read a few chapters to give them more thoughtful consideration. ( )