Life in Christ: Knowledge of God Made visible in Jesus the Man

Life in Christ, Knowledge of God made visible in Jesus the Man. Christian art and theology have ascribed to Mary, Mother of Jesus, a holiness that everyday women could not possibly attain. We can say the same thing about Jesus the Christ. Mary Jane Miller takes a closer look at how we might better consecrate their legacy to the population in today's world. The discussions in Life in Christ will serve a wider audience to broaden an already lively discussion about the spiritual context we live in, and the important topic of women's voices still being discovered in today's society.Today women can stand equally beside men in a more contemporary vision of the world. Mary Jane Miller's book addresses the possibility of cultivating new attitudes based on stories written in another era. The hierarchy of yesterday has served its purpose well, yet there is more wisdom to be gleaned as our societies evolve. I want to add my voice and interpretations of sacred art and theology to those who speak for our collective future as holy people. Women's voices and their images have been lacking in Christian theology for 2,000 years.It is documented that inquisitive women like myself were around in Christ's time, listening to His message and learning from Him. Where are their words and illustrations to expand the teachings to fit better in today's world of crisis, climate change, violence, and human misery? The early mystics revealed their wisdom through ancient disciplines in art and the written word. It is time to re-frame their insights with today's lifestyle and navigate novel ways to be fully spiritual in our world. God's church is larger than buildings, doctrines, and precepts. Humanity is approaching a global mind where the human heart is sitting on the edge of change. The church teachings have regarded humanity as less than God's divine Creation, and the consequences of placing that divinity below Jesus and Mary have hurt everyone.While I am deeply respectful of the iconography tradition and knowledgeable of its long history, I want my book to challenge the male-dominated church landscape of today's theology. Life in Christ Knowledge of God made visible in Jesus the Man is a 110-page book that incorporates 30 full-color plates of my paintings, a collection of contemporary iconography using a mixture of egg yolk and ancient dirt. The practice of Iconography is a visual language about God that comes alive in color and texture through practice, patience, and prayer.The Life in Christ as written in icons is a creative work of a talented and faithful iconographer. Both as a person of faith and as an artist, Mary Jane Miller is one who brings to this ancient art form a deep understanding and love for the icon tradition of eastern Christianity and a modern sensibility of expression. As with text, the icons engage us first, visually, then our emotions, our mind, our imaginations. Most importantly, an icon is an invitation to enter into a conversation with its story that touches our hearts and souls. Through prayer and meditation you will find a "thin place" where you come to God and discover God's coming to you. It is the story of God's love for us that gives us life and empowers us to live it in all its wonder. The Right Reverend William O. Gregg, Ph.D