Life in Christ, Miller’s new book

Knowledge of God made visible in Jesus the Man

Christian art and theology have ascribed to Mary, Mother of Jesus, a holiness that everyday women can not possibly attain. Going  step further Life in Christ Miller’s new book shakes out some of the startling differences between God made visible in Jesus the Man and Christ within.  It may be prudent to take a closer look at how we might better consecrate their legacy to the population in today’s world.

The discussions in Life in Christ, will serve a wider audience to broaden an already lively discussion about the spiritual context we live in, and the important subject of women’s voices being fully recognized and valued in today’s society. Today, more and more women can stand equally beside men in a more contemporary vision of the world. My book addresses the possibility of cultivating new attitudes based on stories written in another era. The hierarchy of yesterday has served its purpose well, yet there is more wisdom to be gleaned as our societies evolve.

I am an Iconographer in Mexico and want to add my voice and interpretations of sacred art and theology to those who speak for our collective future as holy people.

 

Women in the church and their Voices

Women’s voices and their images have been lacking in Christian theology for 2,000 years. It is documented that inquisitive women like myself were around in Christ’s time, listening to His message and learning from Him. Inspirational portraits of women and the words they speak are urgently needed to expand the teachings to fit better in today’s world of crisis, climate change, violence and human misery.

The early mystics revealed their wisdom through ancient disciplines:  illustrative art and the written word. It is time to broaden their insights, taking into account current thinking and lifestyles, and navigate novel ways for everyone to be fully spiritual in our world.

God’s church is larger than buildings, doctrines and precepts. Humanity is approaching a global mind where the human heart is sitting on the edge of change. The church teachings have regarded humanity as less than God’s divine Creation, and the consequences of placing that divinity below Jesus and Mary. The theology has hurt everyone,  especially religious women. I am deeply respectful of the iconography tradition and knowledgeable of its long history. I want my book to challenge the male-dominated church landscape of today’s theology.

Live your Life in the heart and mind of Christ 

is a 110-page book that incorporates 30 full-color plates of my paintings, a collection of contemporary iconography inspired by classic Byzantine style iconography, painted using traditional egg tempera technique. It is an old world painting process of mixing egg yolk and ancient earth pigments.

The practice of iconography is a visual language about God that comes alive in color and texture through practice, patience, and prayer. My dedication to this ancient tradition over the past three decades has inspired me to write about my life in Christ, to inspire, and to communicate my love of God. The narrative icons and written words are juxtaposed to highlight history, its religious context, and my own inspired reflections.

The book contains three sections. Part 1, the Life of Jesus: his beginnings, Part 2, Signs and Wonders: his miraculous events witnessed by his disciples, Part 3, Christ who is spiritually present and emotionally tangible.

The History of Jesus through his Life in icons

Church doctrines change slowly. Mostly, those with no title or schooling leave them unchallenged. But because of newly discovered texts, human creativity, and liberal artists like myself, the contemporary phrasing of old theology is contributing to re-examining who we are in God. There is a movement underway for changes in Christian ideology about women, art, psychology, and its interpretation inside the church and out. The book I have created, Life in Christ, Knowledge of God made visible in Jesus the Man is, I hope, an essential piece of this conversation.

I am a religious painter, requesting your time and attention to read over my completed manuscript. To write a review for this important book send me a request millericons@gmail and ill send you a free PDF. I would like to use quotes from your comments on the jacket of my book and for future promotion. Thank you for the opportunity to be heard, Peace be with you.

Mary Jane Miller is an icon painter, iconographer. She has written books inspired by Master painters, and unknown Women in the church. The history of icons, icon orthodox books, religious icon books, religious imagery, and books about biblical paintings have all been resources. This book explores Saint Mary, Jesus in paintings,and their message through her visual essay and text.