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Robin M. Jensen
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The Cross: History, Art, and Controversy Hardcover – Illustrated, April 17, 2017

by Robin M. Jensen (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 31 ratings
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The cross stirs intense feelings among Christians as well as non-Christians. Robin Jensen takes readers on an intellectual and spiritual journey through the two-thousand-year evolution of the cross as an idea and an artifact, illuminating the controversies―along with the forms of devotion―this central symbol of Christianity inspires.

Jesus’s death on the cross posed a dilemma for Saint Paul and the early Church fathers. Crucifixion was a humiliating form of execution reserved for slaves and criminals. How could their messiah and savior have been subjected to such an ignominious death? Wrestling with this paradox, they reimagined the cross as a triumphant expression of Christ’s sacrificial love and miraculous resurrection. Over time, the symbol’s transformation raised myriad doctrinal questions, particularly about the crucifix―the cross with the figure of Christ―and whether it should emphasize Jesus’s suffering or his glorification. How should Jesus’s body be depicted: alive or dead, naked or dressed? Should it be shown at all?

Jensen’s wide-ranging study focuses on the cross in painting and literature, the quest for the “true cross” in Jerusalem, and the symbol’s role in conflicts from the Crusades to wars of colonial conquest. The Cross also reveals how Jews and Muslims viewed the most sacred of all Christian emblems and explains its role in public life in the West today.

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  1. Print length
    280 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harvard University Press
  4. Publication date
    April 17, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    6.12 x 1.1 x 9.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0674088808
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0674088801
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“In Robin Jensen’s powerful, wide-ranging presentation, the central image of Christianity turns out to be an image of almost unimaginable complexity: a cosmic abstraction, a grim portrait of cruel suffering, a gem-studded token of triumphant authority, an idol to be smashed, a relic to be kissed, a charm to emboss on a Crusader’s shield, a tree of life, a paradoxical mystery. Jensen has searched out a vast and beautifully chosen variety of crosses, from Golgotha to Ground Zero, along with songs, poems, and long-lost rituals, to bring us a moving study of faith, both Christian and non-Christian, in its infinite variety.”―Ingrid D. Rowland, author of Giordano Bruno: Philosopher/Heretic and From Pompeii: The Afterlife of a Roman Town

“An impeccable work on a sign that is both central to Christianity and immediately recognizable, meaningful, and sometimes controversial across the world. Jensen’s historical narrative is learned and lucid.”―Robert Kiely, author of Blessed and Beautiful: Picturing the Saints

“Rich in artistic imagery and well researched in both Western as well as Eastern Christian traditions…This erudite history illuminates the social, cultural, as well as theological developments of the cross over time.”―Library Journal

“Robin Jensen explores in great detail, with academic rigor and a believer's vigor, the history of the Cross in Christian belief, worship, and art…This book is a splendid work of scholarship. Jensen has synthesized centuries of theological insights, artistic endeavors and personal devotion into an eminently readable text.”―Paul Senz, Catholic Herald

“An authoritative, clear and enjoyable guide, especially to the unfamiliar world of late antiquity. [Jensen’s] use of pictures is particularly informative.”―Christopher Howse, The Spectator

“Jensen gives readers a succinct, vivid account of the cross’s history―complete with dozens of necessary full-color illustrations to help her show the symbol’s ornamentation and development over the past two millennia…Religious or not, Jensen makes a solid argument for the importance of understanding the indispensable Western symbol and appreciating its history (even if its meaning isn’t the same for everyone)…Her writing is accessible to the learned and the newcomer―to anyone who wants to better understand the Western world’s most enduring symbol.”―Matthew Snider, PopMatters

“In this generously illustrated book, Jensen sets out in nine chapters the history of the cross from the first reflections on it in the writings of the New Testament to a 20th-century feminist critique and fabrication of the Christa figure…Throughout the book Jensen shows different ways of viewing and understanding the same object. What becomes apparent is that there are no clearly defined epochs or entirely different styles of depicting the cross and the Crucifixion…[A] rich and rewarding book.”―Christopher Irvine, History Today

“Jensen has produced a fantastic historical study of the cross. She takes the reader on an immersive journey through the many controversies, transformations, and questions surrounding the cross as a religious symbol. However, her book is more than a history. It is a quest for understanding the role and purpose of the cross in religious and public life…The book also includes many beautiful color images, adding to its magnificence. This excellent book will undoubtedly become a classic.”―J. L. Best, Choice

About the Author

Robin M. Jensen is Patrick O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvard University Press; Illustrated edition (April 17, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0674088808
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0674088801
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.48 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.12 x 1.1 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

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Robin M. Jensen

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
31 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jordan Miles
5.0 out of 5 stars A detailed and accessible account of the cross' meaning and history
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
Robin Jensen weaves a compelling narrative of the history of the cross since Christ’s crucifixion 2,000 years ago. It was a very informative read for me. While growing up, I always understood the cross to be an important symbol of Christianity. However, I did not realize how much the cross and thought about it has changed over the years. Debates that still happen today about the proper use of crosses, or the meanings of a cross versus a crucifix, have been ongoing over the centuries. Jensen possesses a real talent for synthesizing this complex history into meaningful and interesting themes.

The book is written in an academic yet accessible style. Though it roughly proceeds in chronological order, each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the story of the cross, from the initial scandal of believing in a crucified god to some of the modern meanings of the cross today. The middle chapters focus heavily on art and devotional practices. Those who aren’t as interested in the art can easily read the more historical and theological chapters, though they won’t get quite as much out of the book. That being said, for those who are interested in the art, this is a wonderful resource. Jensen carefully traces detailed trends in the depiction of the cross and the crucifix, including ancient empty crosses, medieval crucifixes with triumphal Christs, and a suffering Jesus on the cross in the modern era. Beautiful, full-color and high-quality images of artworks help the reader visualize Jensen’s detailed descriptions.

All in all, I would highly recommend this book. It is an interesting resource that I will enjoy referring to in years to come. It provides detailed notes of its sources, so it is also a good starting point for a deeper study into the cross. A Christian or anyone else who would like to deepen their understanding of the cross’ powerful history would find this to be a worthwhile purchase.
6 people found this helpful
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Boeing_cheung
4.0 out of 5 stars Good reading
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2018
Verified Purchase
Very well researched and written. This book reveals to reader many aspects of the Christian symbol that one probably never thought of.
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Pedro
5.0 out of 5 stars The history and the controversy surrounding the Cross of Christ throughout the centuries.
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
The clarity with which the author, Robin M. Jensen, presents the History, Art and Controversy surrounding the Cross of Christian faith throughout the centuries and regions around the world is striking. I found most interesting the way she ends the book by giving us a brief but concise comparison between some of the major faith expressions, their understanding of the Cross, and their reasons for their rejection of it. Lastly, the fact that the Cross was already present in the American Continent among some of the most influential empires such as the Aztecs and the Mayans in central and south Mexico makes me want to know more about it. I found the book to be fascinating and truly fulfilling.

Being a Catholic priest and a pastor I appreciate reading a book like this for it further assists me in my ministry. I am sure that from time to time, I will be going back to it for consultation. I highly recommend reading it. No one will ever be disappointed.
3 people found this helpful
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Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful read
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2023
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This book is very thought provoking and well researched. However, it is not a casual read, but well worth the effort to read it.
One person found this helpful
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Aaron Pfost
5.0 out of 5 stars Great historical overview
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed Robin M. Jensen’s book, “The Cross: History, Art, and Controversy.” It was fresh, enlightening, and interesting. I found that it was most useful as a resource for studying particular time periods and worship practices, though I certainly got a lot out of it by reading it cover-to-cover.

I particularly enjoyed the first few chapters, which discuss the ideology of the cross and how certain historical groups perceived it. The middle chapters, which address more historical topics, are somewhat more vague than the early chapters because there is just so much ground to cover historically. By the end, however, the discussion returns to ideology—the reasons behind certain cross practices—and Jensen’s incisive prose and interesting revelations return.

This book is a historical summary, not a liturgical mandate. It is intended for a broad audience irrespective of faith. However, as I read it, I found my own faith in Christ and the crucifixion strengthened. Overall, I'd definitely recommend the book, especially for people looking to use it as a guide for specific information in research.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Samuel
4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting and engaging read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and appreciated the way the topic was explored.

I felt that the first half of the book was more interesting, where it focused on the visual symbols in earlier history while the second half turned towards the Cross as theological motif in and following the reformation. While interesting, it seemed weaker somehow and is why I've only given it 4 stars. I would also have been interested to hear more about how the cross is used in contemporary culture rather than the cursory mentions which were included.

Well worth the read.
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