1 comments about Imagining the Holy Land: Maps, Models, and Fantasy Travels.

1. The photographs, maps, travelers' accounts, physical reconstructions, and studies of the Bible that are the subject of this book once fired popular fantasies of the Holy Land. Nineteenth century visitors to the Chautauqua Institution used to walk through a large scale model of biblical Palestine, sometimes tucking a blade of grass into their pockets or purses. You can still take a tour and listen to Sunday evening lectures there. At the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904, a replica of Jerusalem covered eleven acres while today, some 300 miles to the southeast, a seven story high Christ of the Ozarks looks over a modern re-creation of the Holy Land set in the hills of Arkansas. For home viewing there were tours via stereoscopic photographs, lavishly illustrated books such as Picturesque Palestine, and the reports of scholars who passed through the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem. All reached for an illusory touch of the "real" in the midst of fantasies about the Holy Land, as may still be seen in a reader friendly book written by John Dominic Crossan and Jonathan Reed, Excavating Jesus. These competing visions of the Holy Land were, and are, shaped by forms of Christianity and Judaism, and entangled with various political and ideological debates at home in America.

   David Gunn, Bradford Professor of Religion at Texas Christian University wrote that Imagining the Holy Land is "remarkable and important...not only pertinent to an understanding of biblical criticism and popular culture in America...but crucially important to a nuanced understanding of American public discourse about Middle Eastern affairs today."

No comments about Jewish Images in the Christian Church: Art As the Mirror of the Jewish-Christian Conflict, 200-1250 Ce.

No comments about The Ox Herder: A Zen Parable Illustrated.

1 comments about Himalayas: An Aesthetic Adventure.

1. Compiled and organized by Pratapaditya Pal, Himalayas: An Aesthetic Adventure is a stunning artbook quality collection of sculptures, illuminated pages, pigment on cotton artworks, and more -- all skillfully crafted across centuries of Himalayan history. Full-color photography and an extensive, scholarly text filled the pages of Himalayas: An Aesthetic Adventure with history, anecdotes, and insights to create a seminal and impressive work which is very highly recommended for Art History collections and enthusiasts.

3 comments about The Liberated Imagination: Thinking Christianly About the Arts (Wheaton Literary Series).

1. Ryken's clear prose makes this book stand out from other introductions to the arts. The organization of concepts and examples give readers a good grasp of basic issues within specific art forms. Ryken also identifies Christian philosophies of the arts, assisting the reader to articulate his or her own philosophy through development of or comparison to the ideas in the text. I have used this text successfully with advanced high school students as well as with college students. Enjoyable reading--not dry!



2. The intro lists the key doctrines related to the arts. other highlights (for this painter/art educator)include chapter 2: "What the Bible says about the Arts", ch.4: "The World of Imagination", ch.7:"What is Christian Art?". the summaries at the end of the chapters, along with the lists for further reading and bibliographies are also very valuable. readable & helpful. I appreciate the hard questions that Ryken asks, and his devotion to the arts and literature in a day that embraces trivial pop culture.



3. Lee Ryken offers the world of biblical scholarship a wake up call to an all too often ignored subject in church circles - the arts. the question of how exactly those seriously pursuing a life of artistic integrity melded their passion with Christ and his message - has been a tight-rope walk for the christian artist for decades. Insightful and well written, this book brings to bear a reconciliation of too-often-thought diametrically opposed disciplines into a marrage of calling and creatorship.

5 comments about Athena and Eden: The Hidden Meaning of the Parthenon's East Facade.

1. I don't profess to know enough about Greek history or archaeology to say that the author is right on target; HOWEVER, his theory does fit the facts of Greek mythology and Biblical revelation.
   
   The author's premise is that Greek mythology is really the story of Creation, the Fall of Man, and the Great Deluge, except told from the side of Evil. There are a lot of photos of various aspects of Greek art to back up his theory, and he does a good job of explaining it in terms a novice can grasp. This work has piqued my interest and I'm going to have to do a lot of further reading.
   
   One thing the author didn't point out, but which I've theorized for years, is that the portions of Greek myth typically referred to as "The Clash of the Titans," was a perversion of the true story of Lucifer/Satan being cast out of heaven. I'd like to see Mr. Johnson chase that rabbit in the future.



2. I have accidently seen this book in Tampa Museum of Art downtown, and intrigued by its title, I bought it. Little did I know how revealing this book is.....
   
   I always pondered about the ancient fascination of womanhood, and modern condemnation of womanhood -- where and why it all changed?
   
   Well, the author nicely connects the ancient female divinity emphasis and the one the Bible gives in the garden of Eden.
   
   Indeed, because of Eve's choice to be seduced by the Serpent, humankind serenity of life ended. Later generation, perhaps out of deperation and mystic of new life birth, elevated woman again, and Athena (a-thanassos -- immortal) carries the symbols of woman 's fall from the garden, yet, in sense that through the Serpent she gave humanity freedom from God, and then presented a new connection through her outstretched hand.
   
   So strange why females were so elevated back then----Cybele and Kaabala connection (Muslim worship of black stone just like in Ephesus Artemis and black stone)...
   
   I am often shocked to see how ancient beliefs carry over to nowadays...
   
   D.Barbara Zapal



3. If you know who "the prince of the power of the air" is then you will probably find this book very interesting. I came across the book almost by accident on an Amazon list and found it to be very well reasoned and argued.
   
   The author's main idea is that greek myth and religion consists of a retelling of the story of mankinds origins (familiar to us through the first 12 chapters of the Bible) from a greek or humanist point of view. Wow, he got me right there!
   
   The book shows how many of the seminal events of human history such as the original sin, the murder of Abel, the flood etc. were depicted on the sculptures decorating the Parthenon. However, they have almost the opposite meaning and sentiment as the biblical depiction.
   
   If you are interested in ancient history and how it intersects with the bible you will love this book. I bought the author's second book Athena and Kain. It supposes to make the same basic points looking at a wider selction of Greek myth than found solely on the Parthenon. However, as many follow up books do it spends a lot ot time covering material from the previous book. That's ok if you have not read the previous volume but tedious if you already have.
   
   The book is also well illustrated.



4. The focus of Greek civilization, the Parthenon captures viewers imaginations even as it conceals its true meaning. In his ground breaking work, Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr. author of ATHENA AND EDEN: THE HIDDEN MEANING OF THE PARTHENON'S EAST FACADE demonstrates that when Athena is seen to be Eve, then Greek mythology becomes narrative art. Consequently, the marble sculptures on the east pediment of the Parthenon relate the story of the origin of mankind, matching the Genesis account in detail.

   Johnson asserts that scholars have previously been unsuccessful in identifying most of the figures in the east pediment because they have failed to connect Athena with Even and the story of Eden in the Book of Genesis. Through careful research, Johnson demonstrates that we do have the literature and art to serve as a source of reconstruction. Painstaking comparison demonstrates shows that the sculptures of the eastern pediment depict the Garden of Eden, the birth of Eve, the Great Flood. Furthermore, the goddess Athena, whom the Greeks worshipped as the one who brought the serpent's wisdom, is the same person the Book of Genesis calls Eve.

   Johnson, a West Point graduate, author, teacher and public speaker based his research on surviving sculptures, the ancient writings of Homer, Hesiod, Pindar and others, plus myths, vase art and the work of numerous experts. His controversial approach will certainly garner attention from all who are interested in the classics, religion, art, and mythology. Indeed, Johnson's unique perspective will provoke avid discussion among academics for years to come, yet is easily approachable by any who hold an interest in our origins.




5. Athena And Eden: The Hidden Meaning Of The Parthenon's East Facade by author and educator Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr. offers the non-specialist general reader a unique, accessible, and provocative look at classical artwork and human spirituality. Athena And Eden focuses on the majesty of the Parthenon and its mystical connection to the Book of Genesis. Illustrated with numerous black-and-white photographs of Greek artistic treasures, sculptures, and pottery, Athena And Eden is an original, seminal, ground breaking, unforgettable, and highly recommended perspective that will be of particular interest to students of Hellenic art, architecture, mythology, and religion.

1 comments about Biblical Year 2008 Wall Calendar.

1. These calendars are absolutely great! They are a welcomed addition and have made outstanding gifts. Timothy Botts lends a special flare to the Scriptures. This is an item worth having!

No comments about Unknown Catacomb.

No comments about Performer As Priest and Prophet: Restoring the Intuitive in Worship Through Music and Dance.

No comments about Tree and Serpent Worship: Illustrations of Mythology and Art in India in the First and Fourth Centuries after Christ.