Envisioning the Word: The Use of Visual Images in Preaching
Overview
In this one-volume resource kit, Jensen helps preachers use visual images creatively and responsibly. How, how much, when, what equipment, use of teams, relationship to exegesis, different varieties of images, sources—all the essential topics and concerns are addressed here.
Jensen first discusses how vital, if controversial, image making has always been in Christian tradition and then demonstrates how preaching with images is both profoundly traditional and necessary to contemporary proclamation. His work combines practical advice with religious reflection to enable preachers to help their congregations envision the Word anew.
Top Highlights
“Preaching comes in three basic forms: thinking in idea, thinking in story, and the subject of this book: thinking in picture. Today’s churchgoers, steeped in multimedia communications, have been trained to think and learn with their eyes and ears together.” (Page 5)
“A visual generation needs to be addressed in many ways, and it certainly needs to be addressed in the visual language of our culture. The church must learn to speak the language of the culture. A generation, indeed, is at stake!” (Page 13)
“Words need images to prevent an idolatry of words. Images need words to prevent an idolatry of pictures. Preachers in today’s world must be both wordsmiths and image-smiths.” (Page 9)
“It is important to note the purpose of this very early Christian art: for instruction. The art was complementary with the word. Doctrines of the faith became pictures!” (Page 19)
“Today, in a postliterate culture, our senses are bombarded simultaneously with all kinds of oral and visual information” (Page 4)
- Title: Envisioning the Word: The Use of Visual Images in Preaching
- Authors: Richard A. Jensen
- Publisher: Fortress Press
- Publication Date: 2005
- Pages: 168