Finding the Divine in Unexpected Places: Villanova Professor Explores Art and Theology in New Book

Dr. Stefanie Knauss

Villanova, Pa.— A film musical, abstract painting or piece of street art might not seem like an obvious setting for an interaction with the divine. But in Encountering Art: Theological Approaches to Visuality, Stefanie Knauss ThD, professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University, explores how experiences with art can shape how people understand themselves, the world and the transcendent.

Co-authored with the late scholar Dr. Davide Zordan, the book draws on theology, visual theory, philosophy and cultural studies to examine how people encounter and make meaning with art. From Baroque sculpture to performances and installations, the volume discovers how visual experiences can become opportunities for revelation and meaning-making.

For Dr. Knauss, encountering art involves more than simply looking. Through the lens of aesthetic theology, she explores how the senses, emotions and physical presence contribute to spiritual understanding.

“Embodiment does not represent an obstacle when thinking of art as a space of revelation and encounter with the transcendent,” explains Dr. Knauss, emphasizing the body's essential role in how people experience and understand the world.

The book also examines relationships among viewers, artists and artworks. Dr. Knauss describes how people can experience themselves “not only as seeing but also as being seen,” suggesting that meaning emerges through encounters shaped by personal experiences and social environments rather than something viewers can entirely control.

Another central aim is to expand theological discussions beyond traditional religious imagery and established forms of fine art.

“We try to show that we can encounter the transcendent even and perhaps especially in places and experiences we don’t expect it, like abstract art or a film musical, or in ways that challenge our habits of thought and practice,” says Dr. Knauss.

While primarily intended for an interdisciplinary scholarly audience, the book also welcomes artists, journalists, religious leaders and anyone interested in art. With support from Villanova, open access is available.

Encountering Art also carries a personal history. Drs. Knauss and Zordan began exploring intersections of art, film and theology nearly 20 years ago during Dr. Knauss’ postdoctoral research at the Fondazione Bruno Kessler in Italy. They later envisioned bringing their scholarship together in a book.

“In 2015, Davide died much too early, and it took me a long time to return to this project and complete it along the lines we had discussed at the time,” reflects Dr. Knauss.

With support from Dr. Zordan's wife and permission from publishers to revisit earlier work, Dr. Knauss completed the volume, bringing their longstanding intellectual collaboration to fruition.

About Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Since its founding in 1842, Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has been the heart of the Villanova learning experience, offering foundational courses for undergraduate students in every college of the University. Serving more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, the College is committed to fortifying them with intellectual rigor, multidisciplinary knowledge, moral courage and a global perspective. The College has more than 40 academic departments and programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural and physical sciences.