This encyclopedia investigates the complex, multifaceted relationship between religious traditions and artistic expression throughout Western history. The work, edited by Diane Apostolos-Cappadona, compiles contributions from a wide range of scholars to examine how religious beliefs, rituals, and institutions have shaped, and been shaped by, visual and performing arts. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the intersection of faith and aesthetics from antiquity to the modern era.

Scholars and researchers frequently cite this encyclopedia as a foundational reference for understanding the historical intersection of Western faith and creative output. The academic rigor and breadth of the entries make it a standard resource for students and professionals in the fields of theology and art history.