Faith and imagination

I don’t remember my first introduction to fine art, but this story has become something of a family legend. It was 1972. My parents and I were in Florence, part of a whirlwind European tour. In that gallery-filled city, we stopped to gaze upon the magnificent figure of David.

As we stood among the crowd, awestruck by Michelangelo’s renowned marble sculpture, I pointed straight up. My two-year-old mouth opened in a moment of sheer innocence reminiscent of The Emperor’s New Clothes. I gasped and exclaimed loudly, “Oh, Mommy! Daddy! Look at that naked bummy!” In utter embarrassment, my parents whisked their toddler away, mumbling an apology to the other tourists. At that very moment, they decided to enroll me in art classes at our local community centre.

I’ve grown to appreciate art more and more as the years have slipped by, but I’ve never lost my sense of awe and wonder in its presence. Whether it’s a boisterous Broadway musical, an abstract painting, a thought-provoking novel, or a ballet, art sparks my imagination and deepens my faith.

I’ve learned that the beauty of art comes from its subtlety and layers of meaning, pointing to a God who is multi-faceted, complex, and often mysterious. My imagination kicks into gear when the meaning or purpose of a piece isn’t immediately obvious. Art forces my mind to dream beyond the present moment, and causes my faith to stretch and activate – to grasp what I don’t immediately see. Imagination and faith are intrinsically linked.

However, there is no lack of controversy over art and creativity in the faith community. Christians continue to ask some essential questions about art and its place in the church.

Is art only Christian if it deals with a Christian topic or religious event (such as a painting of Jesus’ resurrection, a song announcing faith, or a dramatic skit about Abraham placing his son Isaac on an altar of sacrifice)? Are biblical themes the only ones worthy of a Christian artist’s attention? Or does all art – even art featuring “secular” subject matter – automatically cast our eyes towards the God whose character is manifest in all created things?

Whether the subject matter is overtly Christian or not, I believe great art communicates truth and points us to the Creator. Artists have been given a gift to share with the world. They challenge us to face human emotions, uncertainties, and dreams we might otherwise repress.

I have always had great respect for artists. They face the threat of being misunderstood or ostracized from the community in which they long to have a voice. Many artists are afraid to share their art with others because of the honesty and vulnerability contained within. Honesty isn’t always appreciated or readily received.

The creative process is one of risk. Mary of Bethany knew this danger when she anointed Jesus with costly nard (John 12). She entered the room, moving through the shadows, hurrying towards the Teacher. The perfume permeated through the whole house as Mary poured it over Jesus’ feet, wiping his skin with her soft hair. The disciples scolded her; they accused her of being overly dramatic, impulsive, and wasteful. Her beautiful, creative gesture was utterly misunderstood. Yet hers was a prophetic, worshipful act – Mary had anointed Jesus for his upcoming burial. And in the end, it was an act named, honoured, and remembered by the Saviour.

My prayer is that we would enjoy the art displayed in this issue of the Herald (which readers will note has a unique layout this month, making room for extra colour and creative design, and reducing the length of some usual features).

May we look at each piece as an act of worship, opening ourselves to the touch of God’s Spirit in the process. May we experience a sense of awe and wonder as we interact with art in various forms, crafted by human hands, created humbly by God’s own creation.

To all Herald readers: Since Herald staff will be travelling to Gathering 2006 in Calgary, there will be no July issue of the magazine. Watch for the next Herald in your mailbox August 11.

MB Herald Advisory Council: The Canadian Conference of MB Churches is in the process of appointing an advisory council for the MB Herald, consisting of a demographically-diverse team of representatives who will serve terms no longer than two years. The committee’s purpose will be to advise and support the Herald’s editorial team in planning themes and choosing content for the periodical.

—Cam Rowland, Director of Church Health and Communications