A Peculiar Orthodoxy: Reflections on Theology and the Arts - Paperback

by Jeremy S. Begbie (Author)

World-renowned theologian Jeremy Begbie has been at the forefront of teaching and writing on theology and the arts for more than twenty years. Amid current debates and discussions on the topic, Begbie emphasizes the role of a biblically grounded creedal orthodoxy as he shows how Christian theology and the arts can enrich each other. Throughout the book, Begbie demonstrates the power of classic trinitarian faith to bring illumination, surprise, and delight whenever it engages with the arts.

Front Jacket

Jeremy S. Begbie (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is Thomas A. Langford Research Professor of Theology at Duke Divinity School. He previously served as honorary professor of theology at the University of St. Andrews; associate principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge; and an affiliated lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. A notable pianist, Begbie has lectured widely in the UK, the US, and South Africa. He is the author of Resounding Truth: Christian Wisdom in the World of Music, Voicing Creation's Praise: Towards a Theology of the Arts, and Theology, Music, and Time. He also edited Beholding the Glory: Incarnation through the Arts and Sounding the Depths: Theology through the Arts.

Back Jacket

"A delightful and necessary book"

"Any work by Jeremy Begbie is bound to bear instruction and delight, and this one is no exception. Thinkers and writers who give equally serious consideration to theology and the arts are rare birds indeed, so it is a pleasure to see Begbie take flight once more."
--Alan Jacobs, Honors College, Baylor University

"Orthodoxy, yes, but not at all peculiar--unless it is peculiar for a person so steeped in orthodox trinitarian theology to be so richly acquainted with the arts, or peculiar for a person so richly acquainted with the arts to be so steeped in orthodox trinitarian theology. Only a person as learned and immersed as Begbie in both of these areas of human endeavor could spy the wide range of connections that he brings to light between theology and the arts, especially music, many of them connections I had never noticed, connections that I will want to think about for quite some time. Extraordinarily perceptive. And the range of reading brought into the discussion, with never-failing generosity of spirit, is amazing. This is state of the art!"
--Nicholas Wolterstorff, Yale University; Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, University of Virginia

"Jeremy Begbie sets a high standard for a theological engagement with the arts. In this book, he gives an eloquent account of that standard and formulates questions that anyone working in this field must confront."
--Judith Wolfe, St. Mary's College, University of St. Andrews

"Begbie has long been proclaiming, and exemplifying, how good theology does not constrain artistic practice but sets it free. In this delightful and necessary book, he persuasively reveals that trinitarian thought remains a most attractive dancing partner for serious creative pursuits. As many artists today anxiously scan the dance floor for rival suitors, A Peculiar Orthodoxy will help them fall in love with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the first time, or all over again."
--Matthew J. Milliner, Wheaton College

"Begbie has established himself at the forefront of serious Christian engagement with the arts. This selection of pieces bears eloquent witness to the fruitfulness of that engagement and demonstrates how it can be conducted in a way that combines intellectual rigor, constructive theological concern, and elegance of style."
--Trevor Hart, University of St. Andrews

Author Biography

Jeremy S. Begbie (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is Thomas A. Langford Distinguished Professor of Theology at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. A professionally trained musician, he has lectured widely in the UK, the US, and South Africa and is the author of a wide range of books and articles.