Is God Invisible?: An Essay on Religion and Aesthetics

Charles Taliaferro and Jil Evans explore aesthetic personalism through the lens of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, theistic Hinduism, and the all-seeing Compassionate Buddha, emphasizing an inclusive God's-eye perspective that fosters an emancipatory appreciation of beauty and goodness. They also contrast the invisibility of persons and God, highlighting the importance of recognizing the experiences of individuals and the impact of racism and bias on visibility.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In this captivating volume, Charles Taliaferro and Jil Evans delve into the realm of aesthetic personalism, exploring three domains of aesthetics through the lens of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, theistic Hinduism, and the all-seeing Compassionate Buddha. These religious traditions embrace an inclusive and all-encompassing God's-eye perspective, enabling an emancipatory appreciation of beauty and goodness. This appreciation recognizes the inherent reality and value of individuals' aesthetic experiences, enriching their artistic encounters. Moreover, the authors engage in a thoughtful exploration and contrast of the invisibility of persons and God. It is important to note that the belief that God or the sacred is invisible does not imply that such experiences cannot be perceived through visual and other sensory or unique modes. Conversely, the assumption that human persons are thoroughly visible, or observable in all respects, overlooks the fact that racism and other forms of bias render individuals invisible to others.

Through their insightful analysis, Taliaferro and Evans shed light on the complexities of visibility and invisibility, highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing the diverse perspectives and experiences of individuals within a broader cultural and spiritual context. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of aesthetics and the role of religion in shaping our perception of the world.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108456517