Life in Christ, Knowledge of God Made Visible in Jesus the Man

Life in Christ is a 100-page full color book that incorporates 30 icon images, painted by Mary Jane Miller in the traditional egg tempera technique, using egg yolk and ground earth pigments mixed together to create divine image. The images are juxtaposed with text describing each image’s history, religious context and my reflections on our world today. Life in Christ,  Knowledge of God made visible in Jesus the Man includes a Table of Contents, a thorough introduction to iconography, and three distinct sections that build on new conclusions. Section 1, The life of Jesus: his beginnings, Section 2, Signs and Wonders: miraculous events witnessed by his disciples, Section 3 Christ: spiritually present and emotionally tangible. 

Reflections on why and how this book is Unique

Many books about the ancient art form of iconography have been written, with delightful descriptions of specific icons listed below. My book, Life in Christ, will serve a wider audience by broadening an already lively discussion about the spiritual context we live in. The important subject of women’s voices is being fully recognized and valued in today’s society. 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. My fascination with narrative icons is strong because of the beauty they radiate and how they teach us using only visual language. For almost three decades,  the icons have slowly spoken and quietly revealed their mysteries to me. I feel confident the iconography descriptions and authors’ meditations will stimulate discussions and revelations about Christian art and theology. 

Because iconography is a discipline of reproducing the same image to teach, it is paramount to grasp the idea that there is variation in repetition. Our world inevitably changes with new perspectives on meaning and prayer. The text and imagery is one woman iconographer’s voice for yet unspoken insights and deeper discernment about what it means to live a spiritual existence. Even if you do not already appreciate religious imagery, this is worth the read. The fascinating tradition inherent in icons and the unique techniques involved in egg tempera using earth pigments, this book will speak to you and draw you into their ancient noesis.

For more information about Mary Jane Miller and her wonderful ministry visit In Iconography or visit her blog at San Miguel icons. You may find out about her books at Mary Jane Miller at Amazon and you can follow Mary Jane at Facebook and Twitter. Mary Jane also offers a wonderful workshop at Sacred Icon Retreats