Bridge to Wonder - by Cecilia González-Andrieu (Paperback)

About the Book

Bridge to Wonder proposes a method of theological aesthetics allowing readers to mine the depths of creative beauty to discover variegated theological truths that enable greater communion with each other and the One source of all that is beautiful.

Book Synopsis

It is often difficult to describe beauty or even justify attempts to experience something beautiful. Yet if artists--whether painters or poets, actors or musicians, architects or sculptors--teach us anything, it is that the pursuit of beauty is a common feature among all humanity. As Cecilia González-Andrieu contends, these varied experiences with artistic beauty are embedded with revelatory and prophetic power that not only affects a single individual but allows for communal formation. Named one of America magazine's most promising young theologians, González-Andrieu seeks to engage art in order to reveal its religious significance. Bridge to Wonder proposes a method of theological aesthetics allowing readers to mine the depths of creative beauty to discover variegated theological truths that enable greater communion with each other and the One source of all that is beautiful.

Review Quotes

A Bridge to Wonder displays a profound sensitivity and subtle awareness of the promise and perils facing a rapprochement of art and the Christian faith. Such a heartfelt, informed and rich discussion by one of the most promising young Catholic theologians of our generation is to be welcomed for its fresh, compelling vision of how to transverse what continues to be a daunting chasm separating art and the Christian faith.

--Robert Covolo, Visual Faith Institute of Art and Architecture "The Pneuma Review"

... the particular perspectives she brings to the interlacing of theological aesthetics are a vibrant and stimulating demonstration of the value and beauty inherent in the attempt to hold art and the religious together.

--Jonathan Evens "The Journal of Theological Studies"

... this book will be a welcome addition to courses that deal with theology or religion and the arts and, of course, theological aesthetics.

--Eileen D. Crowley, Catholic Theology Union "Journal of Hispanic / Latin Theology"

Cecilia González-Andrieu's stunning Bridge to Wonder: Art as a Gospel of Beauty is an antidote to the wars of aesthetics, embroiling liturgists. It is simultaneously a prophetic challenge to those who seek in beauty a way to cover over the horrors of injustice.

-- "Church Life: A Journal for New Evangelization"

Noteworthy and full of insights, Bridge to Wonder is a recommendation for anyone interested in theological aesthetics, US Latino theology and creative ministry.

--JinHyok Kim, Heythrop College, University of London "Theological Book Review"

The author shows deep theological insight in her critiques of various artworks.... Her ability to find theological meaning in not just the works themselves but in the public's reactions to them is quite profound.... She shows deep insight into the artworks she considers, and her ability to work with a wide variety of sources to glean theological meanings and purposes for art.... Bridge to Wonder ably demonstrates González-Andrieu's potential to build such bridges in the future.

-- "Englewood Review of Books"

Through a cogent and insightful analysis of the encounter between theology and art, this text offers both a profound claim for beauty as revelatory and a convincing reworking of interdisciplinary theological method.

--Stephen Okey "Religious Studies Review"

About the Author

Cecilia González-Andrieu is Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University where she specializes in theological aesthetics, U.S. Latino theology, and systematic theology. She has written for several publications and received the Best Column Award from the Catholic Press Association for her column, "De Todo Un Poco," in The Tidings.