Dr. Edgar G. Boevé (1929–2019) was a professor of art emeritus at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he taught for over three decades. After his retirement he lived for many years in Palm Beach, Florida where he worked as an artist and lecturer. He was the first president of the national organization, Christians In the Visual Arts (CIVA).
Last Updated: September 11, 2025
The Bible is a materful book inspired by God. Themes, colorful characters, subplots, foreshadowings, prophecy, fulfillment, and literary balance shape this living book, an endless treasure. The Bible holds these components together through story, symbol, and metaphor. Some symbols are used only once: a burning bush, a withered fig tree. Other symbols span the Bible: trees, angels, mountains, rivers, rainbows…and birds.
As congregations in the Reformed and Presbyterian traditions awaken to the possibilities of enhancing the visual dimension of worship, paraments arc becoming more common in our churches. Paraments are cloth hangings that adorn I lie pulpit mid the communion table. They usually bear the colors of the liturgicaly ear and symbols, such as a crown of thorns or a flame. Some paraments symbolize special events in the life of the church, such as a baptism or a missions festival.
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