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NASB | Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality--faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. |
Bible Question (short): How has ART fed your faith? |
Question (full): Faith and Art. I another thead, Mommapbs noted that I am an artist, then asked me this question: "As an artist, can we compare man's relationship with God and art history? In your opinion, which period reflects the greatest awareness of our spiritual relationship with Jehovah? Just wondering about these things ." How are faith and artistic production related? Sadly, Christians often make poor art, because an emphasis on illustrating theology can make work simplistic (art is not axiomatic) -- or worse, sentimental. On the other hand, I love looking at the art of faithful people throught the centuries -- and this is a way for me to keep in contact with the insights of Christians across cultures and times and places. Sometimes we get blinded, stuck in our own little moment. To look at crucifixion themes across 2000 years --- what gets emphasized, what gets diminished --- can be an amazing devotional experience. One of my favorite periods it the reformation and counter-reformation. The greatest reformation painter would be Rembrandt -- who has amazing images of grace. His "Prodigal Son" is amazing. But also his etchings --- technically inovative, and so intimate. He often reworked the same print again and again, sometimes over a 10 year period, so you can see a great development of ideas in these works. The counter-reformation was the Catholic response to the reformation. Where many reformers were iconoclastic (tearing down images, trusting only in the Word) the Catholic strategy was to pump-up the cultural production even more. Some of this work is gaudy and shallow -- but then there are those who were energized by the dialogue with Reformation themes -- and create something profound and wonderful. Look at Carravagio. Now his life seems to have been a mess -- but the historical record is hard to figure out. But he could certainly paint surprising images of grace. Look especially at Saul's conversion, the Calling of Matthew, and Doubting Thomas inspecting the risen Lord. Wow. These are incredible, prayerful works. There is so much I could say. Also about 20th century and contemporary art --- we live in an exciting time. But I'll leave this here for now, and see what responses this querry gets. So my question for you all: What art has fed your faith? |