Robin M. Jensen is Patrick O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame.
In Robin Jensen’s powerful, wide-ranging presentation, the central
image of Christianity turns out to be an image of almost
unimaginable complexity: a cosmic abstraction, a grim portrait of
cruel suffering, a gem-studded token of triumphant authority, an
idol to be smashed, a relic to be kissed, a charm to emboss on a
Crusader’s shield, a tree of life, a paradoxical mystery. Jensen
has searched out a vast and beautifully chosen variety of crosses,
from Golgotha to Ground Zero, along with songs, poems, and
long-lost rituals, to bring us a moving study of faith, both
Christian and non-Christian, in its infinite variety.
*Ingrid D. Rowland, author of Giordano Bruno:
Philosopher/Heretic and From Pompeii: The Afterlife of a
Roman Town*
An impeccable work on a sign that is both central to Christianity
and immediately recognizable, meaningful, and sometimes
controversial across the world. Jensen’s historical narrative is
learned and lucid.
*Robert Kiely, author of Blessed and Beautiful: Picturing the
Saints*
Rich in artistic imagery and well researched in both Western as
well as Eastern Christian traditions…This erudite history
illuminates the social, cultural, as well as theological
developments of the cross over time.
*Library Journal*
Robin Jensen explores in great detail, with academic rigor and a
believer's vigor, the history of the Cross in Christian belief,
worship, and art…This book is a splendid work of scholarship.
Jensen has synthesized centuries of theological insights, artistic
endeavors and personal devotion into an eminently readable
text.
*Catholic Herald*
An authoritative, clear and enjoyable guide, especially to the
unfamiliar world of late antiquity. [Jensen’s] use of pictures is
particularly informative.
*The Spectator*
Jensen gives readers a succinct, vivid account of the cross’s
history—complete with dozens of necessary full-color illustrations
to help her show the symbol’s ornamentation and development over
the past two millennia…Religious or not, Jensen makes a solid
argument for the importance of understanding the indispensable
Western symbol and appreciating its history (even if its meaning
isn’t the same for everyone)…Her writing is accessible to the
learned and the newcomer—to anyone who wants to better understand
the Western world’s most enduring symbol.
*PopMatters*
In this generously illustrated book, Jensen sets out in nine
chapters the history of the cross from the first reflections on it
in the writings of the New Testament to a 20th-century feminist
critique and fabrication of the Christa figure…Throughout the book
Jensen shows different ways of viewing and understanding the same
object. What becomes apparent is that there are no clearly defined
epochs or entirely different styles of depicting the cross and the
Crucifixion…[A] rich and rewarding book.
*History Today*
Jensen has produced a fantastic historical study of the cross. She
takes the reader on an immersive journey through the many
controversies, transformations, and questions surrounding the cross
as a religious symbol. However, her book is more than a history. It
is a quest for understanding the role and purpose of the cross in
religious and public life…The book also includes many beautiful
color images, adding to its magnificence. This excellent book will
undoubtedly become a classic.
*Choice*
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