Art, Theology, and Contextualization: The Armenian Orthodox Experience

Abstract

This article attempts to demonstrate that the Oriental Orthodox Armenian Church has been contextualizing the Christian faith throughout its long history as is evident in its religious art-forms. As visible symbols of faith, church architecture, carved stone crosses, religious iconography, and various other art-forms reveal so much about not only the theology of the Armenian Church but also about the way that they contextualize their faith. Missionaries, in their attempt at understanding the religious views of a target people may benefit from this article as they pay serious attention to art and its meanings in the minds of the people.