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dlwaugh's review against another edition
4.0
The first half of the book was very enjoyable and contains some very important insights regarding Christianity and the arts. There is a heavy focus on literature, as the title suggests, and less on the visual or musical arts. This isn't a criticism, but if you are looking for more on those, you may want to look elsewhere. On the other hand, Barrs insights, especially in the first half, were applicable to all forms of art and beauty. The second half of the book is taken up with working through several key works of literature or canons of literature. This part was less useful, but still well done.
mamabearreading's review against another edition
4.0
As a Christian, an artist, and an avid reader, I often look for books that discuss those three things.
That being said, I went into this book carefully. I strongly disagree with some beliefs about such things and was worried this book would just be a warning against "things of the world".
I was so pleased with this book! Instead, it was a very thoughtful look at many different aspects, the importance of creating, the importance of creating a reflection, and how as Christians, we should look for the redemption in all stories we ingest.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be more conscious in their role both as a Christian and someone who enjoys art.
This book is a great introduction, and I look forward to finding more books of this sort that dive deeper.
1 Star - Hated It
2 Stars - Didn't Enjoy It
3 Stars - It Was Okay
4 Stars - Really Enjoyed It
5 Stars - Loved It
That being said, I went into this book carefully. I strongly disagree with some beliefs about such things and was worried this book would just be a warning against "things of the world".
I was so pleased with this book! Instead, it was a very thoughtful look at many different aspects, the importance of creating, the importance of creating a reflection, and how as Christians, we should look for the redemption in all stories we ingest.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be more conscious in their role both as a Christian and someone who enjoys art.
This book is a great introduction, and I look forward to finding more books of this sort that dive deeper.
1 Star - Hated It
2 Stars - Didn't Enjoy It
3 Stars - It Was Okay
4 Stars - Really Enjoyed It
5 Stars - Loved It
reading_rhapsody's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
4.0
For book recs and reviews: https://www.readingrhapsody.com
One of the best parts of this book is how Barrs explains that Christians can enjoy art made by non-Christians. Just like we use things like cars or bridges made by non-believers, we can still appreciate good art, no matter who made it.
Barrs believes that all great art has “echoes of Eden,” reminding us of God’s creation, the world's brokenness, and the hope for redemption. He uses examples from books like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and The Chronicles of Narnia to show how even popular stories have these deeper themes.
As someone who loves being creative, reading, and thinking about faith, I was really happy with this book. At first, I was worried it might just tell Christians to avoid “worldly” art, but Barrs took a thoughtful approach. He talks about how creating art is important and how we can find God’s truth and hope in the stories we read, whether they're Christian or not.
My only complaint is that I wished Barrs had explored other forms of art more deeply, rather than focusing mostly on books. That said, this book is a great starting point for anyone who wants to think more about how their faith connects with art.
If you’re interested in how your Christian beliefs fit into enjoying or creating art, Echoes of Eden gives you a simple and helpful way to understand it. I recommend it!
One of the best parts of this book is how Barrs explains that Christians can enjoy art made by non-Christians. Just like we use things like cars or bridges made by non-believers, we can still appreciate good art, no matter who made it.
Barrs believes that all great art has “echoes of Eden,” reminding us of God’s creation, the world's brokenness, and the hope for redemption. He uses examples from books like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and The Chronicles of Narnia to show how even popular stories have these deeper themes.
As someone who loves being creative, reading, and thinking about faith, I was really happy with this book. At first, I was worried it might just tell Christians to avoid “worldly” art, but Barrs took a thoughtful approach. He talks about how creating art is important and how we can find God’s truth and hope in the stories we read, whether they're Christian or not.
My only complaint is that I wished Barrs had explored other forms of art more deeply, rather than focusing mostly on books. That said, this book is a great starting point for anyone who wants to think more about how their faith connects with art.
If you’re interested in how your Christian beliefs fit into enjoying or creating art, Echoes of Eden gives you a simple and helpful way to understand it. I recommend it!
themtj's review against another edition
5.0
I've never disliked a Jerram book, but I've never loved one as much as this. Reflections on everything from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and a sound apologetic for Christianity and pop culture.
jenaiauman's review against another edition
5.0
A great, easy read that was clever and enlightening. Barrs does a great job explaining the natural inclination all have of echoing Eden in our works. I appreciated how he took such well regarded works to show the reader how echoes of Eden provide the undercurrent of each storyline.
It’s clear that Barr’s loves and highly reveres the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen. I’m glad that his love of these books came with not only great intellect and mindful thought but with humility as well.
It’s clear that Barr’s loves and highly reveres the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen. I’m glad that his love of these books came with not only great intellect and mindful thought but with humility as well.
littlebearreading's review
4.0
As a Christian, an artist, and an avid reader, I often look for books that discuss those three things.
That being said, I went into this book carefully. I strongly disagree with some beliefs about such things and was worried this book would just be a warning against "things of the world".
I was so pleased with this book! Instead, it was a very thoughtful look at many different aspects, the importance of creating, the importance of creating a reflection, and how as Christians, we should look for the redemption in all stories we ingest.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be more conscious in their role both as a Christian and someone who enjoys art.
This book is a great introduction, and I look forward to finding more books of this sort that dive deeper.
1 Star - Hated It
2 Stars - Didn't Enjoy It
3 Stars - It Was Okay
4 Stars - Really Enjoyed It
5 Stars - Loved It
That being said, I went into this book carefully. I strongly disagree with some beliefs about such things and was worried this book would just be a warning against "things of the world".
I was so pleased with this book! Instead, it was a very thoughtful look at many different aspects, the importance of creating, the importance of creating a reflection, and how as Christians, we should look for the redemption in all stories we ingest.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be more conscious in their role both as a Christian and someone who enjoys art.
This book is a great introduction, and I look forward to finding more books of this sort that dive deeper.
1 Star - Hated It
2 Stars - Didn't Enjoy It
3 Stars - It Was Okay
4 Stars - Really Enjoyed It
5 Stars - Loved It