Good Theology, Good Art, Good Knowledge
Posted by admin on Aug 15th, 2007
2007
Aug 15
Martin Luther said, “When theology flourishes, everything goes on happily; for theology is the head of all branches of knowledge and the arts.”
If that is true, then when we compare the emerging/emergent church and the watchdoggies’ churches, which of the two has a healthier theology based on the flourishing of knowledge and arts?
August 15th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
“which of the two has a healthier theology based on the flourishing of knowledge and arts?”
Surely you jest?
August 15th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
You’re going to think I’m trying to chum, here, but I ask in seriousness: what? I don’t think I really understand the question. I can’t even think of how to answer.
What do you mean by “theology based on the flourishing of knowledge and arts?”
I should think, since I’m art-prone, that I’d get this question, but I don’t. Could you rephrase or something? I’m curious about it, particularly the concept of theology based on the arts…
August 15th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Julie,
Alright, if you accept that good theology leads to flourishing arts and knowledge (I’m not saying this is Biblical BTW, but it is an observation by a man who’s observations are very well respected) then you would be able to observe where good theology is found by finding where art and knowledge flourish. So the question I’m asking, is, where do you find art and knowledge flourishing more? In emergent/emerging churches, or in teh churches of the watchdoggies?
August 15th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Chris P,
Perhaps you could give us some examples of art and knowledge coming out of the watchdoggies’ churches.
August 15th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Neither. The greatest arts are secular.
August 15th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
You find good art wherever Thomas Kinkade is not present.
That’s your first canary right there.
August 15th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
They can give their own examples.
As for my church, aside from my own small contributions in writing the majority of our worship sings, in world music styles, and photography; we have some of the finest Navajo rug weavers, bead workers, silversmiths etc; also two published authors, sculptors poets,……
My family and I have personally been gifted with, what amounts to hundreds of dollars, (probably more) of incredible native art and crafts.
Last fall we had a service to dedicate all of the arts to the Lord.
It was quite interesting.
Knowledge??
We actually have many visitors come visit based on the expository and prophetic teaching and singing of Scripture. In fact most visitors say that they never have left a church service feeling so “full” This is all in addition to our regular outreaches of feeding/ministering to the less fortunate including the alchoholics and homeless, the elderly etc, etc, etc.
I am big on the creative arts and stressing hospitality. Come visit sometime.
I don’t usually talk much about what we do, and I most certainly do not want to appear as boastful in this,….but you asked.
http://www.the4cornersworshipcenter.com/
August 15th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Wow, Chris P.. That was really great worship music. You surprise me since I’m not sure that music would be appreciated by some of the more orthodox among us. My favorite worship music comes from Hillsong and Darlene Zschech.
Your music has a Vineyard flavor to it. Again, it was good!
August 16th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Thanks Henry. I wish you could hear some of the more recent songs that we have written. The recording on the website is not up to the standard I would like (it is essentially an unfinished track), but it does give you some idea of where we are at.
Julie I agree. I think that Kinkade’s paintings are under the listing of abominations in Leviticus.