Beyond the Face

Our lives are made up of a complex web of relationships with those we initially get to know through their face. The quality of these relationships influences what we believe and value, and how we think and behave.

Focussing on the human face, Stephen Girling explores how portraits can help us relate to other people in a new way. Outlining a three-step method of noticing, responding, and reflecting, he gives the reader a tool with which we can go beyond the face in a portrait to see 'something of the eternal' in the other person. With this tool we are able both to see ourselves more completely and better relate to people who we previously never noticed, kept at a distance, or actively disliked.

With society becoming ever more polarised and fragmented, this is a timely book that will deepen our empathy for friends and strangers, guiding us towards a kinder and more generous way of living.

Stephen Girling was ordained as a parish priest in the Church of England in 1991, after a short career as a scientist with the Ministry of Defence. He has a long-standing interest in Christian spirituality and the artistic vision of Vincent van Gogh. As Missioner and Priest at Bath Abbey he curates exhibitions of the Abbey's own collections and visiting art exhibitions and installations. He is a trained and practising spiritual director. Stephen is married with four children and lives in Bath.