No comments about The Cult of Kasuga Seen Through Its Art (Michigan Monograph Series in Japanese Studies).

No comments about This Anguished World of Shadows: George Rouault's Misere Et Guerre.

No comments about Glove Puppets: Let Your Fingers Do the Talking.

No comments about Developing a Dynamic Drama Ministry.

No comments about Colonial Churches: A Series of Sketches of Churches in the Original Colony of Virginia.

3 comments about I'll Be Home for Christmas (Lighted Path Collection®).

1. I have purchased Thomas Kinkade books numerous times and I am very pleased everytime I do. I usually give the books as gifts and I always receive compliments. Thomas Kinkade is a favorite painter of mine. His paintings and inspirational sayings always help to calm a person when having a stressfull day.



2. The book has beautiful illustrations and very touching and inspirational messages, quotes, etc. on each page. It was given to me as a gift and I love it! It will be something I treasure through my life.



3. Anyone not aware of Thomas Kinkade's artwork hasn't been paying attention in stores for the last five years or so. With his old-fashioned images of a romantic yesteryear that probably never existed, Kinkade has become America's most-published artist. In "I'll Be Home for Christmas," he specializes in snowy landscapes, glowing cottages with smoke coming from rock chimneys and horse-drawn sleighs bringing visitors for Yule festivities. Text for the book comes from seasonal writings by Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Washington Irving, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Kenneth Grahame, Isaac Watts and, of course, the Gospel of Luke. The artwork is the most notable feature: Large scenes are mixed with close-up details that reveal Kinkade's brushstrokes. People familiar with Kinkade's work know that he hides little letter 'N's throughout his paintings (the number that appears under his signature indicates how many are in that particular painting) in honor of his wife, Nanette. The printing in "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is so good that they are visible on almost every page. This isn't a thick book, nor heavy Christmas reading, but it certainly sheds some beautiful light on the spirit of the season.

5 comments about Addicted to mediocrity: 20th century Christians and the arts.

1. While this book is simply states and placed in question answer format, it gives the impression of being written for a bible study class. Art and The Bible by Francis Schaeffer is much better oriented towards offering advice on what Christian art is and how it applies to Christians in today's times.
   
   This book talks about how Christianity and art have fallen away from each other and how we can get back on track. Again, an excellent Bible study read and talk book, but not much of a "for-fun" read.



2. Few people who have reviewed this book are apparently aware of Mr. Schaeffer's own artistic work in the years following the release of this book. This book was published in 1982. Three years later, Frank Schaeffer began directing feature films. Go and watch one of these films (all directed by Frank Schaeffer):
   
   Baby on Board (1992). Slapstick comedy starring Judge Reinhold and Carol Kane.
   Rebel Storm (1990). Futuristic action film starring Zach Galligan and June Chadwick.
   Headhunter (1989). Occult horror film starring John Fatooh, June Chadwick, and Steve Kanaly.
   Wired to Kill (1986). Post-apocalyptic action film starring Devin Hoelscher, and with Merritt Butrick.
   
   While it's true that Schaeffer's film work was consistent with one of his ideals (none of these is labeled or promoted as a "christian" film), with regard to artistic excellence they all fall completely flat. Not a single one received even an average review. All are considered some of the worst of the medium, and the low points in the careers of those who acted in them. Don't take my word for it. Watch any one of them yourself. You'll likely find yourself scratching your head over the dichotomy between what Schaeffer says in his book about how Christians (or anyone) should approach the arts and what he actually did in the years following the release of his book.
   
   Unfortunately for Schaeffer, it completely undermines his credibility on the subject, and sheds a harsh light on the book and what was apparently behind it; the desire to lash out, embarrass and humiliate evangelicals. Who can argue the truth behind his main points? No thinking person can. It has been the elephant in the room for years in the evangelical world. A widely read book on the topic was badly needed (still is).
   
   Christ made it clear that his followers are called to speak the truth boldly, which Schaeffer clearly did here. But he also calls his followers to walk in humility. It's sad that Schaeffer didn't approach this book (or those that followed) with that attitude. It would have blunted the apparent hypocrisy of his later artistic efforts.



3. A little too much filler for me. His dad, Francis Schaeffer, has a similar smaller book on the same topic that is better.



4. This book fits well with other similar books as a welcome addition to my growing library of books on art and Christianity.



5. If you're a Christian involved in the arts, you MUST read this.
   Even though the book was written back in 1981, Franky's comments about contemporary evangelicalism indulging themselves in propagandizing, sloganeering bad art with the label "Christian" slapped on it is more relevant that ever.
   
   Franky attacks the false notion that if you're a Christian and you are an artist that any art you do MUST have an overt, and obvious "Christian" theme to it. Creativity in and of itself is Godly, and good and Evangelicals need not slap a cheap propagandizing slogan on it to justify it.
   
   Likewise, Franky tears down the false assumption that some actions in the Christian life are "spiritual," (ie . reading your Bible and praying) while others are "non-spiritual" (ie playing with your kids.) All of the Christian life is spiritual.
   
   I can't recommend this book enough!

No comments about Return to Vilna: In the Art of Samuel Bak.

No comments about Readers Theatre Comes to Church.

1 comments about Introducing The Lambeth Bible: A Study Of Text And Imagery (Single Titles in Palaeography, Manuscript Studies & Book His) (Single Titles in Palaeography, Manuscript Studies & Book His).

1. Specialists in manuscript studies will be pleased with the detailed text and the illustrations, especially the exquisite color plates.