The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Visual Arts in worship

I am contemplating a graduate degree in the visual arts especially concerning the subject of what kinds of visual arts might be permissible in a worship setting in order to enhance a comprehension of what the worshipping community is doing in holy worship. I know there are strict limitations in the Reformed community on these kinds of things, and am looking for articles to help me define the problems of this subject, especially any concerning the use (and misuse) of symbols, icons and representational art. If anyone can point me to articles on this site or others, as well as persons who might be good advisory resources, that would be most welcome!

Do a search of the highway articles using the parameters, "Regulative Principle of Worship." There have been plenty of discussions on that topic which should be very useful.

Eleanor,

I am sure there are some salient articles online which would guide you in thinking this matter through. But let me just say that even as you have acknowledged that the Reformed churches, historically, have been very much opposed to "visual arts" used for the purpose of enhancing worship either in educating the laity or obviously in aiding in worship. Some will doubtless say that their resistance and rejection of such things was simply their reaction against Rome. And surely, that is probably true; but not "simply" so. One of the major reasons for their view was due to their high view of Scripture and the centrality and sufficiency of the Word of God and the preaching thereof as the means by which God communicates with His people and which leads to "worship in spirit and truth." It is the Church's responsibility to teach (educate) believers from Scripture as to the proper way to worship God according to His revealed will in the Bible. (cf. 2Tim 3:16, 17) As you well know, the term for this subject is the "Regulative Principle of Worship". <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

May I suggest the following for your consideration:

1. The Authority of Scripture, by Paul Cook

2. Francis Schaeffer's excellent series: "How Shall We Then Live?" (book or video/DVD)

In His grace,

Absolutely. There's more to the visual arts than pictures, though. :>)

I will definitely put those resources on my list.

I have since changed my mind but at one time I thought it would be nice to "follow the bouncing ball" while singing instead of burying our faces in a hymnal. Would that fall under the category of visual arts or technology?


William

Perhaps it might be helpful if you could list a few examples of "visual arts" which you are considering as that which could "enhance a comprehension of what the worshipping community is doing in holy worship". <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Ponder.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

Tech, definitely tech-- and tech is definitely NOT my thing. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/coffee2.gif" alt="" />

One idea that has been much in my mind involves calligraphy of the Word, right on the walls. The best example I can think of was a church I used to attend-- a very old one-- which had John 8:32 incised into marble behind the Table. There's alot that could be done to beautify churches with some judicious choices and placement of the Word, beautifully done. That is the main idea of which I am thinking.

Not everywhere, not overdone, but enough to imprint the mind with its beauty so that it is remembered for a lifetime.