Using the second commandment as a starting point, Jenson examines the biblical context for images of God, noting that at times God assigned an image for himself, including humanity. Humans, though, have misappropriated worship to man-made idols, even perverting images given by God, such as the golden serpent. He then quotes John of Damascus and John Calvin to show varying views of image making in the Church. Placing the biblical and historical discussion on images into the context of the Jesus mural at Biola, Jenson discusses the inevitability of image making and how it influences our devotion and view of Jesus. He also notes the difference between how images are used in a church and university context. In the end he asks for an examination of the use and effect of the Jesus mural by the two things that gives us the clearest picture of Jesus—Scripture and the body of Christ.
The Institute for Cultural Engagement, an official program of Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary