Artists are uniquely equipped to assist with the difficult task of reconciliation. Their view of the world is at once open, exploratory, passionate, and compassionate. As a result, they often take on conflicting issues, provide an imaginative ground for dialogue, and attempt to create a synthesis that enables people to connect and communicate.
Our world has become increasingly political, especially in certain arenas of dialogue. The science-faith dialogue, for example, has become increasingly charged in the US in the area of evolutionary theory, especially in the light of ongoing and recent discoveries in biogeography, paleontology, embryology, and genetics. There is a need for reconciliation and open dialogue.
A grant from the BioLogos Foundation—which was founded by a scientist who was a man of faith—has given Image, and especially the artists who form a vital part of our community, an opportunity to assist with that dialogue.
Because artists deal with the concrete—stories, images, materials—they embody ideas and themes that would otherwise remain abstract, producing surprisingly accessible results. Their work not only enriches the private life of many individuals but broadens out to impact the church (through sermons, worship, and other activities) and the culture (through a variety of media).
Image published a special issue, Evolution and the Imago Dei, featuring essays, poems, short stories, and a book review engaging the intersection of art, faith, and science. Accompanying the issue are study guides for undergraduate students and church adult study classes.
In addition to a special issue of Image journal, this grant from the BioLogos Foundation has also enabled Image to publish Good Letters blog posts, host special Glen Workshop seminars on art, faith, and science, and host a colloquy to explore the ground between theology and science.
The colloquy was held in November 2013 on Whidbey Island, Washington. In attendance were nine artists, led by editor Gregory Wolfe with key contributions from theologian Dr. Jeremy Begbie and environmental scientist Calvin DeWitt. The artists in attendance were selected for their demonstrated interest in the theme of creation—a theme that also runs through their artworks. They also presented video and music selections and readings from their own body of work.
Evolution and the Imago Dei
Read the poems, essays, and more from special Image issue 85.
Art, Faith, and Science on the Good Letters Blog
Explore the ways in which art can help us perceive and engage the mysteries of creation.
This project was made possible through the support of a grant from The BioLogos Foundation’s Evolution and Christian Faith program. The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of BioLogos.