On Christianity and Contemporary Art

Over the course of Christian history, art has played an integral part in aiding believers in connecting with their faith and pursuing spiritual formation.  We have seen the beauty of God's gifts through the talented hands of artist throughout the centuries.  In a time when literacy was not the norm,  beautiful frescos depicting biblical scenes taught the stories of our faith.  Christians have expressed their love for God and their gratitude for the gifts God has given them by illustrating Bibles and illuminating their pages.  In Eastern Orthodox Churches, iconography is an important aspect of Christian worship and devotion. 

Unfortunately, over the years, evangelical Christianity has lost contact with art.  Besides the illustration of children's Bibles and the occasional "White Jesus" painting, art has been all but banished from the church.  

Within youth ministry, though, the emphasis of experiential ministry has re-introduced art as a way of connecting with God and as a valid way to worship.  Many emergent and even charismatic churches regularly have a painter in worship.  As an artist, myself, I find great joy in this recent development.

This year, 2011, is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible; and to celebrate, world-renown artist, Makoto Fujimura, has been commissioned to illuminate the pages of a very special anniversary edition of the text.    

Makoto Fujimura - The Art of "The Four Holy Gospels" from Crossway on Vimeo.

I hope that in watching this video and in reading the pages of this very special Bible, more Christians can once again honor the gift of art in the Church.  

On Benedictions

I have always loved the benediction at the end of a worship service.  It is the great challenge and encouragement offered to the faithful as they are pushed out of the church doors and into the world to live the lives to which God has called them.  It is the final note - like dessert at the end of a four course meal.  Have you ever felt that?

This past week a fellow student asked if I would offer the benediction in the divinity school chapel service. I was happy to oblige (especially since a favorite pastor would be offering the sermon in the same service).

As I drove the hour-long drive down to school this morning, I thought over what I might want to say to send my fellow students out into the world.  I thought of the friend who needed hope to make it through the day.  I knew she might need me to speak directly to her this morning.  Then, I thought of the many friends who, like me, needed a reminder to love not only God but themselves in order that they might begin to love their neighbors and their enemies.  I thought of the times when we all struggle to find peace through our faith or courage in accepting our call.

As I drove thinking of specific faces and stories, the benediction for the day slowly came together.  And, as we sang the last verse of "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah," I stepped up to the podium to address the very real needs of our family.  I turned to the choir and saw the face of my friend in need of hope; I turned to the right side of the chapel and saw the face of a friend who struggles to love herself; I turned to the left side and saw a friend who is still searching for peace in the midst of trouble; and, I surveyed the collective face of my divinity school family and saw the longing for a gentle reminder of God's call on each of our lives.

After the benediction found its way out of my soul and into the hearts and minds of my divinity family, I received my sending forth in the form of hugs, words of affirmation, and tears in the eyes of my very dear friend who needed to hear exactly what was spoken through me.

I am never more humbled than when God uses me despite of me - despite the frustrations I have with my ministry, my inability to do everything, and my own lack of confidence in my ability to lead and minister to others.