the Christian imagination

I just returned from my colleague Jeremy Grinnell’s doctoral defense on C. S. Lewis’ use of myth. Jeremy, now Dr. Grinnell, has produced an insightful contribution to our understanding of Lewis, the Christian imagination, and the biblical doctrine of the Fall. Best of all, Jeremy’s doktorvater is Neal Plantinga, so you would be hard pressed to find anyone who is having a better day. Too bad the whole thing is going to end on Saturday, around suppertime (also why I’m not working too hard on my sermon for Sunday).

By the way, you may have heard that Neal Plantinga is retiring from the presidency of Calvin Seminary this spring, and he plans to use his free time to write books. I can’t think of anything more exciting and frightening—exciting because no one writes like Plantinga, and frightening because some of us have book ideas, too. Here’s hoping that Plantinga will announce what he intends to write on, so the rest of us can stay out of his way.

Speaking of Christian books and the arts, my friend Chris Brewer has put together a one of a kind art book that tells the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. I contributed theological essays for each section, and Chris compiled an inspiring and provocative collection of art works that invite us into deeper reflection on the biblical narrative.

The book is entitled, Art that Tells the Story, and as Byron Borger from “Hearts and Minds” bookstore exclaims, “There is nothing like this!” Art that Tells the Story is a terrific book to share with non-Christians, as it is a non threatening way to explore the contours of the Christian faith. It is also a great resource for Christians, as it stretches our understanding of our faith through art—which is an untapped area for many of us.

This coffee table book will be available in Grand Rapids bookstores next month, but you can pre-order it now and learn more at the book’s website.