Course Description

Contemporary art and Christian theology have a complex and conflicted relationship, yet a growing body of scholarship is demonstrating that the two domains have an enormous amount to say to each other, both critically and constructively. The aim of this course is to further develop this dialogue, clarifying some of the central problems and possibilities for studying art and theology in mutually enriching ways. This course will not offer a survey of contemporary art history, nor will we develop anything like a systematic theology of art. Rather, this course will (1) provide a provisional field guide of the current discourses of religion and theology in the history of modern and contemporary art, and (2) conduct several extended case studies exploring particular artists and artworks in relation to particular theological texts, contexts, and concepts. To narrow the task, we will focus on the visual arts—and more narrowly than that, on the contemporary “art world,” as that which circulates through major galleries, museums, art journals, and departments of art and art history. On the theological side, we will focus on Christian theology, with a broadly ecumenical range, keeping various points of reference in view from across Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions.

Fall 2025
This course is available onsite and online. Students must register for the online section to gain Zoom access to the course.