About this Course

Throughout history, Christians have celebrated the values of truth, goodness, and beauty within their faith. While theology and ethics have often taken centre stage, the arts have sometimes been overlooked or even dismissed, particularly among the Protestant traditions.

Beholding the Beauty offers an introduction into Christian perspectives on beauty, showcasing how various art forms have enriched the Church’s history, theology, and spirituality. This course provides a unique opportunity to engage with Christian artists and practitioners, delving into the ways their faith and artistic expressions intertwine. Participants will explore diverse art forms such as poetry, kintsugi pottery, and drawing, as well as beauty found in nature, Orthodox iconography, Western art and architecture, Asian Christian art, and popular art.

The course culminates in a full-day, in-person retreat where attendees will immerse themselves in the transformative power of popular art forms like music, dance, and film. Discover how these artistic expressions can deepen your spirituality and be woven into your daily spiritual practices.

Note: Session 7 is scheduled as a Sunday visit to an Orthodox Divine Liturgy. This is optional and subject to group size and arrangements with the local parish.



[1.5 Credits, Elective]



Registration closing date:
03 Feb 2025

Register

Instructors

Dr Tan Seng Kong

Lecturer in Systematic and Spiritual Theology

Dr Tan Seng Kong is BGST's Head for Technology and Resources, and a Lecturer in Systematic and Spiritual Theology. A graduate from Regent College, Vancouver (MA, Spiritual Theology). Seng Kong completed his PhD in Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he focused his research on Jonathan Edwards' Doctrine of Salvation. Seng Kong was formerly an architect. He currently serves at Bethel Assembly of God. When he isn’t preoccupied with theological materials, he dabbles with indoor gardening, watches Korean media with his wife and eats Indian food with his son.

Mr Anthony Siow

Lecturer

Mr Anthony Siow is a Spiritual Formation Mentor trained in the Ignatian tradition. He left behind a successful advertising career to follow God's call to cast the net elsewhere. Making use of his skills and creativity in advertising, Anthony incorporates the arts and popular culture into his work as Spiritual and Retreat Director. Anthony conducts retreats regularly for BGST and serves as a Spiritual Mentor for the school. He also leads silent retreats to Thailand and Australia.

  • Dates: 2025

    (Thursdays)
    Feb: 6, 20
    Mar: 6, 20
    May: 10, Saturday (9:30am-4:30pm, with lunch social- full day retreat by Mr. Anthony Siow)

  • Time

    7:15–10.00PM

  • Location

    Online via Zoom
    (with Blended Learning)

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    General

  • 2

    Session 1 - Introduction: Theology, Beauty, & the Arts

    • Summary

    • Fujimura, “Beauty as Food for the Soul.”
  • 3

    Session 2 - Art and Our Broken World

    • Summary

    • Fujimura, “Fallen Towers and the Art of Tea.”

    • Roche, “The Theological Rationale for Christianity’s Immersion in Ugliness.” (optional)
  • 4

    Session 3 - Art & Redemption in Christ

    • Summary

    • Fujimura, “Lazarus Culture.”

    • Fujimura, “Journey to the New through Christ’s Tears.” (optional)
  • 5

    Session 4 - Art and New Creation

    • Summary

    • “The Critical Role of Christian Artists and Musicians in Missions.”

    • “Letter of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Artists” (1999)
  • 6

    Session 5 - Finding God in Popular Art (TBC): Full Day Retreat pt. 1

    • Summary
  • 7

    Session 6 - Full Day Retreat pt. 2

    • Summary
  • 8

    Session 7 - Art and the Church (optional, TBC)

    • Summary