Poetic Theology: God and the Poetics of Everyday Life

Reveals the presence of God in the creative works of human life and culture

What are the "poetics of everyday life"? What can they teach us about God? Art, music, dance, and writing can certainly be "poetic," but so can such diverse pastimes as fishing, skiing, or attending sports events. Any and all activities that satisfy our fundamental need for play, for celebration, and for ritual, says William Dyrness, are inherently poetic -- and in Poetic Theology he demonstrates that all such activities are places where God is active in the world.

All of humanity's creative efforts, Dyrness points out, testify to our intrinsic longing for joy and delight and our deep desire to connect with others, with the created order, and especially with the Creator. This desire is rooted in the presence and calling of God in and through the good creation.

With extensive reflection on aesthetics in spirituality, worship, and community development, Dyrness's Poetic Theology will be useful for all who seek fresh and powerful new ways to communicate the gospel in contemporary society.

Author: William A. Dyrness
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
Published: 12/23/2010
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780802865786

Review Citation(s):
CBA Retailers 04/01/2011 pg. 42
Christian Century 12/13/2011 pg. 46

About the Author
Dyrness, William A.: - William A. Dyrness is professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. His other books include Reformed Theology and Visual Culture and A Primer on Christian Worship: Where We've Been, Where We Are, Where We Can Go.