While some Christians have embraced the relationship between faith and the arts, the Reformed tradition tends to harbor reservations about the arts. However, among Reformed churches, the Neo-Calvinist tradition-as represented in the work of Abraham Kuyper, Herman Dooyeweerd, Hans Rookmaaker, and others-has consistently demonstrated not just a willingness but a desire to engage with all manner of cultural and artistic expressions. This volume, edited by art scholar Roger Henderson and Marleen Hengelaar-Rookmaaker, the daughter of art historian and cultural critic Hans Rookmaaker, brings together history, philosophy, and theology to consider the relationship between the arts and the Neo-Calvinist tradition. With affirmations including the Lordship of Christ, the cultural mandate, sphere sovereignty, and common grace, the Neo-Calvinist tradition is well-equipped to offer wisdom on the arts to the whole body of Christ.
"For many decades, the Kuyperian tradition has been at the forefront of nourishing a Christian imagination in the world of the arts. This excellent collection proves the point, as well as demonstrating how Neo-Calvinism can resource artists and Christian thinkers to tackle together the challenges of the future."
Jeremy Begbie, Duke University
"These carefully selected essays from over a dozen theorists offer a fascinating tour of the rich perspectives and signature insights of the Kuyperian aesthetic tradition. The result is a first of its kind: a feast of theorists, central ideas, andproductive themes that form the most significant tradition of theological aesthetics in the modern world. This rich collection evinces what those within the tradition have long believed: the Neo-Calvinist approach is invaluable for anyone seeking to offer a theological engagement with the arts in the twenty-first century. It's exactly what we have been needing: a readable overview of the most influential, least-known theological aesthetics in the modern period. What a gift!"
Robert Covolo, Fuller Seminary, author of Fashion Theology
