“Manuel Luz has made a good and helpful contribution to the present-day conversation surrounding the arts and Christian faith. Discover for yourself the unique calling of those privileged to imagination for Jesus and his Kingdom coming. You’ll be enriched and inspired.”
“I always think of Manuel Luz as the rocket scientist who became a worship arts leader. This book is written out of the trenches of Manuel’s discoveries as an artist, pastor, and worship leader who has devoted most of his adult life to serving the local church. I deeply appreciate the thoughtfulness of this book, and believe it will serve as a tremendous tool for any Christian artist looking for guidance from someone who has wrestled with the Scriptures, theological truth, and the practical everyday challenges of unleashing artistic gifts in the kingdom of God.”
Nancy Beach, Champion for the Arts, Willow Creek Association, and author of An Hour on Sunday: Creating Moments of Transformation and Wonder
“In this much needed work, Manuel Luz paints for us a theology of art that is as stimulating as it is biblical. Forged from the pen of an artist, this book provides fresh insights into how a postmodern generation can engage the God who creates and re-creates.”
Christian George, author of Sex, Sushi, & Salvation: Thoughts on Intimacy, Community, & Eternity and Godology: Because Knowing God Changes Everything
“Manuel Luz and I have recorded together, prayed together, cried together and ministered together in America and beyond over the last twenty years. We have talked at length in our weekly “Little Inklings” meetings about the place of art in the Church and I am so happy he has finally put his thoughts in a book! In Imagine That he has written what amounts to a theology of the Christian arts. I can’t think of anyone more practically qualified to write about this subject; he has thought about it and he has lived it. If you’re looking for your place as a Christian artist, you will surely find trustworthy pathway markers for your journey in this book. Imagine that!”
If the truth be told, I’ve been one of those frustrated book authors. Over the years, I’ve written two books, started a dozen others, and had ideas for hundreds of books. Then a weird thing happened. I wrote a book that people were interested in.
Imagine That: Discovering Your Unique Role as a Christian Artist is a narrative of a practical theology of the arts, discussing the nature of art, our relationship as artists to God the Artist, the importance of understanding the spiritual implications of beauty and transcendence, and the interaction between the artist and the audience, the church, and the world.
I intended it to be a thought-provoking journey through the convergence of art and faith, and I feel strongly that it is something every Christian artist should understand and live out. Influenced by Francis Schaeffer, H.R. Rookmaaker, Jeremy Begbie, Madeleine L’Engle, Dallas Willard, and others, it is written in humorous and artist-friendly language. There is also a study guide, which makes it convenient for ministry teams, guilds, bands, and other artist groups to study it together. Moody has high hopes for it, so I am very encouraged.
Imagine That will be released by Moody Publishing in July 2009. Order an advanced copy from Amazon.com HERE!
