Faculty from Emory University's Candler School of Theology provide commentary and Los Angeles artist John August Swanson provides stunning portrayals of scenes from Holy Week and Easter in "What Wondrous Love: Holy Week in Word and Art," a new DVD and study guide for the Christian Lenten season.  

The DVD features six "chapter" commentaries by Candler faculty plus a Swanson work of art focused on a familiar scripture passage. The accompanying discussion guide depicts the Swanson artwork from the DVD along with thought-provoking questions to spark new insights on the Bible story.

Candler's commentators include:

• Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching (who authored the discussion guide);
• Luke Timothy Johnson, Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins;
• Carol Newsom, Candler Professor of Old Testament;
• Steven Kraftchick, associate professor of New Testament interpretation;
• Jan Love, dean of Candler and professor of Christianity and world politics;
• Walter Wilson, professor of New Testament;
• Carl Holladay, Candler Professor of New Testament Studies;
• Joel LeMon, assistant professor of Old Testament; and
• Andrea White, assistant professor of theology and culture.

Swanson, who also provides audio commentary on several of his works on the DVD, is recognized worldwide for his finely detailed, brilliantly colored paintings and original prints. The son of a Mexican mother and a Swedish father, Swanson is influenced by the folk art traditions of those two countries.  

His works are displayed in some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, The Art Institute of Chicago, London's Tate Gallery, the Vatican Museums' Collection of Modern Religious Art, and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.  

Candler's holdings of Swanson's work — some 50 pieces — comprise the largest single collection of his art in the world.  

"What Wondrous Love: Holy Week in Word and Art" follows the format of 2009's "A Thrill of Hope: The Christmas Story in Word and Art," which was the first production to feature Candler faculty and Swanson art. Both are published by Morehouse Education Resources and are available for purchase through Cokesbury online.