"Writing within the classical, metaphysical Christian tradition, Brian Nixon utilizes the modern signifier 'theopoetics' in composing his own aesthetics. Even we postmodern, post-metaphysical theopoets can learn much from Nixon's project: an engaging exploration of the history, philosophy, theology, and return of beauty in spiritual reflection and writing."
-Scott Holland, Professor of Theology and Culture, Bethany Theological Seminary
"After thirty-plus years working as a field archaeologist in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, I've become well aware of beauty in the most unexpected places-from artifacts lost to human eyes for thousands of years to the natural beauty of the rugged southern Levant. In Brian Nixon's newest book, he unearths the fundamental factors of beauty, showing us that beauty is discovered and apprehended in fascinating ways. Like a good theological-archeologist, Brian digs up unique mental artifacts, highlighting the role beauty plays in theology and in life. I highly recommend the read."
-Steven Collins, Director, School of Archaeology, Veritas International University, and Director and Chief Archaeologist, Tall el-Hammam Excavation Project, Jordan
"Dr. Brian Nixon's analysis of beauty is brilliant! In Beauty (and the Banana), Nixon has the keen ability to draw clear and concise practical application from the most sophisticated and nuanced materials. It is with the highest praise that I commend Dr. Nixon to you, be it via the written word, artistic expression, or his many musical manifestations. You will be wonderfully enriched as you engage with Dr. Nixon in his varied and fruitful intellectual and spiritual meanderings."
-Chapin Marsh, President, Calvary Chapel University
"In Psalm 27, David said his heart's desire was to gaze upon the 'beauty of the Lord.' Beauty, like love, deepens when our soul chooses to gaze upon it. This dazzling book is a profound exploration and invitation into an often overlooked (or more accurately, perceived) topic. It will encourage you, challenge you, and reorient you-so like David, you'll be more in awe of the artistry of God."
-Dominic Done, author of When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt and founder of Pursuing Faith
"Beauty (and the Banana) is an engaging and insightful introduction to one of the central questions of our contemporary era: What is Beauty? Brian Nixon provides an informed framework in which this question can be examined thoughtfully and theologically. Nixon carefully guides the reader through a complex subject using clear examples, jargon-free language, and a sensitivity to the most important features of this inquiry. I strongly recommend this book as an introductory guide and a faithful reference for the thoughtful development of a culturally sensitive, philosophically astute, and theologically wise apologetic linking goodness, truth, and beauty to trinitarian theology. Students, creatives, and pilgrims within the cultural landscape will find within this book guidance for the journey."
-Scott B. Key, Vice President for Academic Initiatives, C. S. Lewis Study Center, Northfield, Massachusetts
