Bibliography - Text and Image in Bible Study
After the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship published Dwelling with Philippians with Eerdmans in 2010, many church Bible study groups studied Philippians using this book as a resource, and have asked for more suggestions similar to Dwelling. Though there are few available on specific books of the Bible, this bibliography is an invitation to biblical study through image and word, each with a different approach.
After the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship published Dwelling with Philippians with Eerdmans in 2010, many church Bible study groups studied Philippians using this book as a resource, and have asked for more suggestions similar to Dwelling. Though there are few available on specific books of the Bible, this bibliography is an invitation to biblical study through image and word, each with a different approach.
Publications
Dwelling With Philippians (Eerdmans, 2010)
edited by Elizabeth Steele Halstead, Paul Detterman, Joyce Borger, and John D. Witvliet
This volume juxtaposes the full text of Philippians with visual images, poetry, theological reflections, prayers, and more.
Jesus as Healer (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, 2011)
by Edgar Boevé
Includes eight meditations and images related to New Testament healing stories. Scripture is included.
The Psalms: An Artist's Impression (InterVarsity Press, 2000)
by Anneke Kaai and Eugene Peterson
A sample of psalms with artist's comments and scripture text from The Message. Seeing a New Song by Anneke Kaai has the same psalms, plus additional ones, but the scriptural references are not as complete.
I Will Wake the Dawn: Illuminated Psalms (The Jewish Publication Society, 2007)
by Debra Band
A beautiful book by a Jewish artist with literary and illumination commentaries, and scripture in both English and Hebrew. Thirty-six psalms are covered.
The Book of Psalms Illustrated in Expressive Calligraphy (Tyndale House Publishers, 1997)
by Timothy R. Botts
This is the complete psalter in the New Living translation. Botts has also done the whole Bible, but there is not an illustration on each page like this psalms volume.
Who Are You, My Daughter? Reading Ruth through Image and Text (Westminster John Knox Press, 2003)
by Ellen Davis and Margaret Adams Parker
This is the book of Ruth with scripture and notes on almost every verse alongside woodcut images. This is set up ideally for use in a Bible study.
She Shall be Called Woman (Piquant Editions, 2009)
by Anneke Kaai and Mary Mikhael
A series of paintings done by Anneke on women of the Bible with scripture references, a short meditation by Mary Mikhael on each story, and artist's notes.
From Beginning to End (Piquant Editions, 2007)
by Anneke Kaai
This includes pieces on Creation, the Ten Commandments, and Revelation (as well as the Apostle's Creed) but the book is not laid out ideally for study of scripture, since the references are in the back.
There is a Season (Orbis Books, 2005)
by Joan Chittister and John August Swanson
This is more a meditation in words than in images. The full art piece is on only one spread with smaller images for each section of the Ecclesiastes passage. But Swanson's work is easily obtainable and each Bible study member could have a copy of the full piece (a great reminder of the passage well after the study is done!). Eyekons prints posters but can make any size prints as well. Swanson has also done The Story of Ruth: Twelve Moments in Every Woman's Life with Joan Chittister.
The Glorious Impossible (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 1990)
by Madeleine L'Engle
This is a good example of most "image and text" books out there. This volume goes through the life of Christ using the Giotto frescoes from the Scrovegni Chapel in Italy. Unfortunately, it does not have scripture references, but one could easily decide which scriptures to study with it.
Printing the Word: The Art of Watanabe Sadao (American Bible Society, 2003)
by American Bible Society
Similar to many other books with art by one artist, covering many highlights in scripture. There are some pieces from the Old Testament, the life of Christ, and Christ's teachings and miracles. This publication has scripture references.
Art that Tells the Story (Gospel Through Shared Experience, 2011)
by Christopher R. Brewer (ed.)
This is a brand new book. It is similar to many that are laid out by topic (creation, fall, redemption, etc) but with a variety of contemporary artists represented. There are short essays, scripture references and some artist's notes.
If your Bible study group has found other resources similar to these, please share them with us. Email Betsy Steele Halstead at CICW and we will add them to this list.