A delicate differnce between Jesus and Christ

[Mary]

This most recent book grew out of my previous book, In Light of Women. Mary Jane Miller Both are photo essays in book form.

Life in Christ is a 100-page full color book that incorporates 30 icon images, painted by the author in the traditional egg tempera technique, using egg yolk and ground earth pigments mixed together to create divine image. The images are juxtaposed with text describing each image's history, religious context and my reflections on our world today.

The book includes a Table of Contents, a thorough introduction to iconography, and three distinct sections that build on new conclusions. Section 1, The life of Jesus: his beginnings, Section 2, Signs and Wonders: miraculous events witnessed by his disciples, Section 3 Christ: spiritually present and emotionally tangible.

Many books about the ancient art form of iconography have been written, with delightful descriptions of specific icons. My book, Life in Christ, will serve a wider audience by broadening an already lively discussion about the spiritual context we live in, and the important subject of women’s voices being fully recognized and valued in today’s society.

While I am deeply respectful of the iconography tradition and knowledgeable of its long history, I want my book to challenge the male-dominated church landscape of today’s theology. My fascination with narrative icons is particularly strong because of the beauty they radiate and how they teach us using only visual language. For almost three decades, the icons have slowly spoken and quietly revealed their mysteries. I feel confident my book will stimulate discussions and revelations about Christian art and theology. Because iconography is a discipline of reproducing the same image for the purpose of teaching, it is paramount to grasp the idea that there is variation in repetition. The text and imagery is a voice for yet unspoken insights and deeper discernment about what it means to live a spiritual existence. Even if you do not already appreciate religious imagery, the fascinating tradition inherent in icons and the unique techniques involved in egg tempera and earth pigments will speak to you and draw you into their ancient noesis.