Imaging God Anew

A Theological Aesthetics

By (author) W. Stoker

Book cover: Imaging God Anew

Extent: 353 pages

Publisher: Peeters Publishers

Subjects: Art & Art History, Religious Studies

Series: Studies in Philosophical Theology

Series volume number: 69

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(August 2021)

ISBN: 9789042945630

Price: $99.00

In stock

eBook (Published)

(August 2021)

ISBN: 9789042945647

Price: $124.00

It is surprising how religious symbolism in modern art continues to speak to a broad public. Art and religion are intrinsically connected because both deal with the fundamental issues of life. Examining art in churches and museums with this in mind, Wessel Stoker looks at how modern and contemporary Western visual artists present these fundamental issues. In this work, he explores the new visual language that artists like Vincent van Gogh, Alexej von Jawlensky, Graham Sutherland, Marlene Dumas, and others use to image God or Christ anew. In contrast to what has long been the dominant view of art in the West – art for art’s sake – their art fulfills functions in social life. Their art engages in dialogue, becomes a form of protest, or provides spiritual deepening. How is that to be evaluated theologically?


It is surprising how religious symbolism in modern art continues to speak to a broad public. Art and religion are intrinsically connected because both deal with the fundamental issues of life. Examining art in churches and museums with this in mind, Wessel Stoker looks at how modern and contemporary Western visual artists present these fundamental issues. In this work, he explores the new visual language that artists like Vincent van Gogh, Alexej von Jawlensky, Graham Sutherland, Marlene Dumas, and others use to image God or Christ anew. In contrast to what has long been the dominant view of art in the West – art for art’s sake – their art fulfills functions in social life. Their art engages in dialogue, becomes a form of protest, or provides spiritual deepening. How is that to be evaluated theologically?

  • By (author) W. Stoker