Art, Architecture, and Christian Symbols
Spirituality
The Four Needs
The Jerusalem Bible wonderfully translates Ephesians 2: 10: “We are God’s work of art . . .” it begins. How apt! God the Creator as artist, God’s creation as works of art.
Art and the Christian faith have always been intimately connected. In the human effort to respond to God, all the senses and faculties of the human mind call us closer. Architecture lifts the spirit to heaven and points to God. Painting and sculpture transport us by their beauty and poignancy to nearer understandings of God’s love and character. Christian symbols embody the truths of Scripture to communicate the faith.
Worship spaces are centers of sanctified art. Banners speak truths in primary colors. Candles flicker, cross and crucifix and Greek letters tell of light and darkness, life and death, first and last. Stained glass glows with designs and pictures of saints and Scripture. At Christmas, trees hung with symbolic ornaments bedeck the sanctuary; at Easter, egg-trees hint of rebirth. Many congregations also have quilts on the walls, vestments, altar paraments, and paintings.
In every age and with every technology the Christian church has used art to praise God. Christian art is science and the spirit joining hands to bless the one who is Lord of both. Today the technologies of photography, computer, and videotaping take their places as arts that glorify the Creator.
Art does not merely decorate or bring beauty into the place of worship. It helps people better understand God. It is storytelling. For some, Scripture readings, Bible classes and sermons are most inspiring. For others, hymns, songs, prayer, and liturgy bring them closer to God. But still others are visual learners, who apprehend God best through symbol, picture, and art. Children’s artwork related to Bible stories can be displayed throughout the church. Adults and children both can work with media and art materials to create new ways to portray the gospel story.
Other ideas include inviting speakers to explore the symbols embedded in icons from eastern orthodox traditions. Many would turn out for a walking tour of the church and neighboring churches with someone who can explain the ways that architecture draws people to God.
