The relationship between art (and the arts) and faith is a deep one. For most of history the Church was the patron who made the arts possible. From instrumental music to choral music to stained glass to textile to painting to sculpture... the Church was the to direct the craft to its divinely intended purpose -- Soli Deo Gloria...
Sadly, most modern church buildings are completely devoid of art -- except for performance art. Walls are plain and empty... windows (if there are any) are transparent to the exterior without any image to lift the eye and mind up... music is from a CD player... how utterly unusual... Given the elaborate instructions God delivered to those who would build His temple long ago... of the depth of the riches and majesty of the God who was born as one of us -- heaven's child in earthly frame...
Today we had a family that so admired our stained glass that they took pictures of each window. I handed them the booklet that describes the meaning and symbolism of them all. Another person wanted to know where we got the banners that give color and dimension to the Chancel. Another family lingered as the sound of the hymns and order began to die away... with some tears about the hymn's message of connection and fellowship they shared with me of their son soon heading to Afghanistan.
Art (and the arts) are so important to worship and to the faith -- it is not that worship cannot take place without them... but why not provide images, sounds, and smells that are fitting to the mystery of what takes place when Christ comes to us in Word and Sacrament???
The arts and artists and artisans are important to the life of the Church. God bless them -- from paraments to pipe organs to voice to silver to brass to bronze to paint and plaster.... God bless those who work with their hands to create images that teach the mind through the eye... that inspire the heart through the ear... They remind us of the astonishingly rich tradition that has been passed down to us... may we pass it on faithfully...
Thank you, pastor for this post. I have struggled with so much wrongheadedness over the arts. I am formally trained; I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts. It has always been difficult (even in Reformed churches who should know better!) to find those who understand.
ReplyDeleteI knew things were not as they should be, and then I read Gene Veith on the arts. No more would I feel guilty over taking time to paint. No more would I feel guilty when other Christians criticized my work and others' because it didn't have 'Christian content.'
Rocky and I were discussing just this past Sunday the idea of having art to line the hallways of the church building. Not permanent works, but a changing display; a gallery of sorts.
What another relief to my heart to finally find the church which understands the arts!