We live in a visual culture. Today, people increasingly rely upon visuals to help them understand new and complex concepts. The rise and popularity of the Internet infographic has given us a new way to convey data, concepts, and ideas. But the visual portrayal of truth is not a novel idea. God himself used visuals to teach truth to his people. If you have ever considered the different elements within the Old Testament tabernacle or temple you know that each element was a visual representation of a greater truth. The sacrificial system and later the cross were also meant to be visual—visual theology.
I love to teach, I love beautiful graphics, and I have a deep desire to convey the concepts and principles of theology in a fresh, interesting, and informative way. So does Josh Byers, a graphic artist who has partnered with me on many projects.
Josh and I teamed up to write Visual Theology: Seeing and Understanding the Truth About God. The book is big, glossy, and stuffed full of really neat illustrations. It is now available at all major booksellers!
In this book, we have made the deepest truths of the Bible accessible in a way that can be seen and understood by a visual generation. We have prepared what we see as a theology of the Christian life, a book that explains the “now what?” of living as a Christian. It is ideal for the new or seasoned believer.
Wayne Grudem was kind enough to pen a foreword to the book, and here is what he says about it:
Visual Theology is a delightful read. It combines wise knowledge of sound theology with a readable, inviting style and frequent perceptive insights into practical Christian living. Tim Challies and Josh Byers repeatedly tie their discussion to relevant Scripture passages and then provide a healthy and balanced application to the Christian life.
Another strength of this book is that it takes sin seriously, an emphasis that is sadly lacking in some evangelical writing and preaching today. This book describes practical steps for progressively overcoming sinful habits and patterns in the daily lives of Christians, something that is essential if we are going to grow in Christian maturity.
I often draw diagrams in the classroom because I find that students can more quickly grasp and retain theological concepts when they can see them in a single visual image. But this book has expanded that process far beyond anything I have ever done. The visually inviting infographics in this book are very helpful in synthesizing theological concepts and showing their application to practical Christian living.
I am happy to commend this book, and I expect that it will invite many readers on a pathway toward regular Christian growth and increasing likeness to our Lord Jesus Christ.
— Wayne Grudem, author of Systematic Theology and research professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary
