Items included on this page come from a variety of sources. The perspectives conveyed may or may not express a Lutheran ethos. They can serve our instruction as discussion-starters, examples (positive and negative), and illustrations of intersections between God’s two kingdoms, intersections sometimes characterized by tension, sometimes by congruence. Inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Word and Image: Martin Luther’s Reformation: The Morgan Library & Museum in NYC offers a dozen online displays of its major exhibition for Ref 500 including Young Martin, Works of Art in Medieval and Early Modern Devotion, the Reformation Media War, Luther on Trial, the Bible, the Art of Reformation, and Luther’s Household Objects.
Christ the Artist, We the Portfolio: To listen and learn about faith, art, and mission, begin with the words of Jeremiah: “The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel.” Here is the essence of art and the essence of Christianity in one sentence. […]
Reports of the Death of Religious Art Have Been Greatly Exaggerated: With religious literacy an increasing necessity for civic life in an age of globalization, voluntary and involuntary immigration, and new instances of diversity, perhaps the arts might help find the ways renewed connections can be made. And, perhaps ultimately, critics will start paying more […]
Jewish art challenges the taboo of Jesus: This exhibition at the Israel Museum is a collection of more than 150 artworks by 40 Jewish and Israeli artists who have used Christian imagery to challenge long-held taboos in both communities. It showcases the evolving attitudes of Jewish, Zionist and Israeli artists toward a figure whose place […]
Threatened by Terrorists, Nine Monks Made an Amazing Decision: Seven study questions for Of Gods and Men, which follows the true story of monks who were serving Algerian villagers in a variety of ways when intolerant Islamic extremists decided to drive them out. Assembling in the Monastery of Our Lady of Atlas, they were faced with […]
Were Neanderthals Religious? What exactly is religion? This article can introduce the question in a brief and current way, setting up the usual issues of the transcendent, the numinous, symbol and concept, and whether religion is what we do to bind ourselves (ligio) to God, or what God has done in Christ to connect himself […]
Finals Week – Spoken Word by Stefan Vandenkooy: Here is the 3:30 min video from Daniel Robinson making the rounds about the purpose of a college degree. This brief piece might be an item either to close a semester or open a semester. Several related links can found be in a brief search.
Christmas Music Tells the Story: Students can consider ways to analyze hymn content and the role of language as a vehicle for the means of grace. “Carols and hymns are amazingly succinct theological statements,” says Eileen Guenther, professor of church history at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. “There is more theology in a few […]
Faith and the Arts: A Fragile Friendship — Even as churches are more willing to engage the arts, artists who work at the highest levels of craft are engaging the church less readily. This may be because, broadly speaking, Christians continue to vote with their dollars for popular entertainment. This article is one within an […]
Create Freely: The ADF legal society has published this guide for artists, musicians, designers, artisans, and other creative professionals who seek guidance on managing the current tension between religious liberty and some forms of civil rights activism. See its p. 22 for “Five Practical Steps” every creative artist can take to protect themselves.
