29th
Art Forms in Churches
This is an interactive blog, so play a (mind) game with me for this one.
This only takes a moment.
QUICK! Name the art forms given in scripture for churches to use.
(30 seconds and STOP)
NEXT:
Move One: Take out your driver’s license and give it to me.
Move Two: I am now holding your driver’s license so you can see the front of it. I am pointing to the image on the front.
Move Three: Now tell me, “Who is this.” QUICKLY!!!!
Move Four: Say the answer out loud.
Move Five: Did you say it was you, by saying, ‘That’s me.’?”
Move Six: I am now looking at the back of the license and saying to you, “Well if this is you, you have a very interesting backside - printed with letters - words - who stamped this on your backside?”
Move Seven: You now say, “Oh, no, that is a photo of me.” RIGHT! (Game Over)
Key Point: The photo (printed on real paper) is a visual image of the reality - it is not the reality itself, in anyway.
Here are the three clearly sanctioned art forms for churches:
Baptism, Communion, and Singing
All use real objects to make a visual image of the intended reality. They are not the reality themselves - no more than sacrificial lambs in the Old Testament were the real atonement - they were but images of a future reality.
Baptism is an art form to remind us of a reality: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Communion is an art form to bring to our remembrance this reality: Jesus’ body and blood.
Singing is an art form to teach and admonish the church with lyrics of truthful content - the realities of which they speak.
[One could say that text is an art form, but that is for another time to discuss.]
Use the art forms well and properly to remind you of the reality of Jesus in your life. Use it to remind yourself of Jesus, the real sacrifice made, and the gospel of grace. Don’t think of or elevate the art form as the reality
A church in a dump in Mexico City can express these art forms beautifully. A church meeting quietly in a darkened room can express these art forms with great meaning. A church meeting in a Ford garage can experience the grandeur intended. A church meeting in a university concert hall can focus on the beauty of the biblical art forms. In all circumstances the art forms should carry our minds to the reality that has overwhelming beauty.
