In the Beauty of Holiness

Michelle P. Brown, FSA
— University of London
“A beautiful book in every sense, this is not a narrative or stylistic history of art. Rather, it seeks to illuminate a cultural, theological, and spiritual trajectory for Christian art in the West over the last two millennia. Writing with the heart of a Celtic poet and the clarity of a classical pedagogue, David Lyle Jeffrey explores the paradox, celebrated and lamented in literature and the arts across the ages, that while mortal beauty arouses an infinite longing, it is itself finite.”

William Dyrness
— Fuller Theological Seminary
“David Jeffrey here provides a visual theology of the beauty of holiness through a richly illustrated selection of Christian art stretching over the whole of Christian history. Whether that story is unknown or familiar to readers, all will come away instructed and inspired by this cornucopia of imagery.”

Robin Jensen
— University of Notre Dame
“Jeffrey’s richly illustrated and truly learned study of the complex relationship between visual art and Christian theology and practice begins with an examination of the place of beauty in striving for holiness and ends with examples of artistic rebellion against traditional faith and—finally—the return of the transcendentals. An indispensable contribution to the conversation among artists and theologians.”

Bruce Cole
— former chair of National Endowment for the Humanities
“This book will appeal to, and enlighten, a wide range of readers, including those interested in theology, art and architecture, philosophy, the liturgy, and many other subjects. Gracefully written, learned but accessible, and deeply cogitated, it is an original and important contribution to our understanding of the Bible and art in Western culture.”