Here's an interesting painting:
This was a revolutionary, landmark painting at the time, breaking free from iconographic conventions. If you look closely, it's rich with symbolism. The sheep in the background are Christian emblems. The dove on the ladder and boyish John the Baptist with a bowl of water foreshadow the baptism of Christ, while the wood, nails, and bleeding hand wound foreshadow the crucifixion.
It was, however, controversial at the time because it offended Victorian sensibilities. They found the depiction of the Holy Family irreverent and indecorous. Too down-to-earth. That's a good example of how religious piety can become far removed from the original reality.
And I thinks it's a gross violation of the 2nd commandment.
ReplyDeleteI'm aware of the rote Puritan objection. I don't have to recycle that debate every time I do a post an artistic/cinematic representations of Christ. For instance:
Deletehttps://triablogue.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-does-second-commandment-forbid.html
https://triablogue.blogspot.com/2011/10/whats-picture-of-jesus.html
https://triablogue.blogspot.com/2014/03/filming-gospels.html
https://triablogue.blogspot.com/2011/10/idolatrous-photography.html
https://triablogue.blogspot.com/2011/10/interpreting-jesus.html
Thanks for those links Steve. Last time I was talking our pastor, I told him I had a problem with a picture of Da Vinci's last supper on our communion table.
DeleteHe replied, well do you have a problem with a cross inside church? I said in the prayer chapel we have a Celtic cross which is a pagan symbol. Which I have a problem with.
"I said in the prayer chapel we have a Celtic cross which is a pagan symbol. Which I have a problem with."
DeleteSounds like the genetic fallacy to me.
Reclaim it for Christ!
DeleteJust as we reclaimed the standard t-shaped cross (a symbol of Roman terror and cruelty), etiology (Genesis 1-3 vs ANE creation myths), cloud-ridership from Baal...
It's a lot more than just the Puritans. And your wrong...very popish.
ReplyDelete"It's a lot more than just the Puritans."
DeleteGo ahead and elaborate if you can.
"And your wrong...very popish."
Ah, I see your strategy is to let ad hominem do the work of argument for you.
This reminds me of the end of Indiana Jones, the last crusade. When they find the holy grail. It's hidden in the midst of all these gold and jewell encrusted cups.
ReplyDeleteThe baddie drinks from the fanciest cup and dies. Indiana chooses the plainest cup. He then says something like this is a cup carpenters and fishermen would drink from.