Comments on: Everyday Theology (4): Swords, Sandals, and Saviors http://theologyforum.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/everyday-theology-4-swords-sandals-and-saviors/ Serving the joyful cultivation of the theological craft for the life of the church: inquiring honestly, deliberating wisely, acting faithfully Wed, 15 May 2013 06:00:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Matt Erickson http://theologyforum.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/everyday-theology-4-swords-sandals-and-saviors/#comment-666 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:19:10 +0000 http://theologyforum.wordpress.com/?p=182#comment-666 An interesting dialogue here that I greatly appreciate both as a pastor and as an artist. Thank you for putting together thoughtful reflections on the arts and theology.

]]> By: Derek Resler http://theologyforum.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/everyday-theology-4-swords-sandals-and-saviors/#comment-659 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:29:38 +0000 http://theologyforum.wordpress.com/?p=182#comment-659 Interesting post, especially after Kent’s thread about the use of buildings to convey theology. Obviously it is useful for Christians to understand the prevailing modes of communications that exist within a culture. The Western culture more often than not now-a-days uses non traditional mediums in which to communicate (eg. music, movies, etc…). The power of the written text is being eclipsed by (or maybe just balanced out – read further down for explanation) other modes of communication. I have heard the justification for using technology in sermons due to “wanting to connect with today’s culture.” My fear is that I have seen this occur too often poorly, with little to no thought behind the use of movie scenes or musical lyrics. Much like in Kent’s thread, theological reflection does not enter into much of what the church does today. I do believe that movies and the like can help to communicate biblical truth, but need to be carefully crafted and only used when appropriate. Too often it seems that the movie clip becomes the message rather than the Scriptures.

Interestingly, there is a connection that one can make to the use of arts to communicate theological doctrine. During the Italian renaissance biblical themes coincided with the genius of some of the greatest painters and sculptors in history. Maybe the use of visual arts such as movies today is the direct result of the culture demanding something visual in which to understand Scripture. Maybe the iconoclastic zealotness of the Reformers lead to a church culture that suppressed any modes of creative visual aids. For those in whom the Spirit had granted creative genius, where could they exercise their gifting?

I guess I ultimately side on the use of movies and other creative visual means of communication as long as they are used with a clear theological purpose. The gifts of God should only be used to enhance the gospel message and not take away from it.

However, I am open to dialogue on this issue. Thanks Kyle!

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