Phenomenology of the Icon: Mediating God through the Image

Stephanie Rumpza's book explores the paradox of how a finite being can mediate an infinite God through a phenomenological approach, highlighting the power of the icon in Eastern Christian religious practice and offering a novel philosophical paradigm for understanding it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Stephanie Rumpza's groundbreaking work, "The Infinite Mediator: A Phenomenological Approach to the Byzantine Icon," delves into the perplexing paradox of how something finite can mediate an infinite God. Through a rich tapestry of patristics, theology, art history, aesthetics, and religious practice, Rumpza offers a fresh and original perspective on this age-old dilemma. By employing the hermeneutic phenomenology of Hans-George Gadamer and Jean-Luc Marion, Rumpza weaves together a compelling argument that sheds light on the power and relevance of the phenomenological method in integrating hermeneutic aesthetics and divine transcendence.

In her study, Rumpza demonstrates how the material and visual dimensions of the Byzantine icon are illuminated by traditional practices of prayer, unveiling the profound connection between the human and divine realms. By exploring the depths of the human experience and the sacredness of the visual, Rumpza offers a novel philosophical paradigm for understanding the icon as it is approached in practice.

This book is a significant contribution to the continental philosophy of religion, addressing a critical fault line that has long puzzled philosophers. It demonstrates the relevance of a cherished religious practice of Eastern Christianity, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between finite beings and an infinite God. Moreover, for art historians, Rumpza's work provides a novel philosophical framework for understanding the icon as a cultural artifact and a means of spiritual expression.

Through her meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Rumpza has crafted a work that is both accessible and profound, inviting readers to explore the depths of the human experience and the mysteries of the divine. "The Infinite Mediator" is a testament to the power of philosophy and the beauty of religious art, offering a new lens through which to appreciate the profound connections between our world and the transcendent.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009317924