Christianianity

Something Deeply Spiritual

By Chip Cain | Published March 5, 2010

There is something deeply spiritual about this video. Please watch the video before reading further.

There is something deeply spiritual about the feeling I get when watching this video, but that being said, I am not prepared to provide an explanation of what I am feeling. Mostly because I have no words that will describe either the feeling or why I believe it’s a spiritual feeling. What I can say is that “ it’s very cool!” Or I could use words like “Awesome” or “Spectacular” but if i did you wouldn’t understand the haunting I feel when it ends. Or the consideration that the drummer boy could be Jesus. Is that going too far? I think there are many many images within this video as to  why it’s possible it is an allegory of the Christian story. Now if you’re not confused already or perhaps you just disagree let me add that the lead singer and leader of the band Sigur Rós is openly gay. To some that won’t mean a thing, but to others like myself it challenges the thought that this video is a Christian allegory. But even so I do. Perhaps “out of the mouth of babes . . . .” Or maybe, what was meant for evil (which I don’t believe) is used for good.

It’s possible I am rambling but that’s the kind of thoughts my mind races to whenever i watch this video, and I have watched it several times. And will several more times. I hope you will leave your own thoughts (if you can articulate them) in the comment section. I look forward to hearing from you.

Square Halo – Hearts and Minds

By Chip Cain | Published December 24, 2009

SqLogoJust in case you missed the exhibition I mentioned in my last post, I promised that I would provide a link to a book that will in some way replicate the exhibition. Well here is that link: two links in fact.

Square Halo is the publisher of the book Rouault-Fujimura: Soliloquies by Thomas S. Hibbs. And you may purchase the book online from Hearts and Minds. In fact Hearts and Minds may be the only source for this book. I receive nothing from them for this or my last post but even so I recommend you visit both. I’m sure both websites will be enlightening.

The Gift of The Unknown

By Chip Cain | Published January 12, 2009

As our culture changes, Walter Brueggemann has observed, we must restate eternal truths in order for them to remain truthful. For the faithful, the artistic imagination can safeguard the strangeness and newness of the gospel, preserving it from domestication by our ideologies and culture. This year, the Trinity Arts Conference theme urges us to curiosity and courage as we approach the changes essential to vibrant art.

Each year the Trinity Arts Conference draws filmmakers, journalists, actors, writers, poets, composers, visual artists, dancers, and musicians for three days of workshops, seminars, lectures, readings, exhibitions, and performances. We’ll meet in the congenial and relaxed atmosphere of the University of Dallas, a wooded cloister of studios, classrooms, auditoriums, and galleries.

The above was taken from their brochure

Interested? Here’s the link –> Trinity Arts Conference

Something more than art; The Mathew's House Project

By Chip Cain | Published July 14, 2008

The Mathew’s House Project (MHP) mission statement is simple and short laying down a challenge to listen differently: I include the entire mission statement below.

“Since 1999, The Matthew’s House Project has sought to develop places in which faith and culture can be explored. We seek to promote a different sort of listening. This sort of listening fosters active participation in the public square, inspiring criticism, reflection, and creative expression.”

With an eye toward culture, where it’s right–where it’s wrong, MHP adds a spiritual perspective without preaching but rather seeks to turn that eye both outward and inward allowing the reflective reader be both and. This is all done within an attractive and simply laid out website to boot.

Today’s increasingly polarized society seeks to think in black or white but rarely Black and White. Why can’t something be both and? MHP will help you to view things differently: not always with the lens of agreement but rather with the lens of contemplation.

Besides the thoughful essays there is some great poetry & prose, but readers beware they might make you think about something you hand’t though of before.

Trinity Art Conference

By Chip Cain | Published March 5, 2008

Trinity Art Conference

Larry David Norman (April 8, 1947 – February 24, 2008)

By Chip Cain | Published February 26, 2008

I can remember seeing Larry Norman 34 years ago at a free concert in Lancatser, PA. It was held in Long’s Park and the small crowd who didn’t seem to know him any more than I did, were sitting on blankets thrown helter-skelter, enjoying the sun and sharing in small talk waiting for the show to begin. I was there because someone said there is a free contemporary Christian concert being held in Lancaster. In those days I thoughy contemporary Christian music meant playing hymns in church with electric guitars but my friend said this was supposed to be Christian rock and so I went.

I can remember this guy with straight blonde hair walking across the stage, which was a band shell in the park, carrying his guitar and a chair. Never looking at the audience he placed his chair center stage in front of two mikes: one for his guitar and one for him. There was no introduction; no one to tell us the concert had started. Most of the crowd, myself included, thought he must be some warm-up act. He played for 30 minutes or so and since I could hardly hear him from where I was I just kept talking with those around me until the “real” act showed up. Then he was gone. Someone came on stage and we thought Larry Norman was going to be introduced but instead he just thanked us for coming. My exposure to live Larry Norman is pure Larry Norman: you never know what will be in the Larry Norman package on any given day.

The next day I bought his album ‘Only Visiting This Planet’ so I could hear what he sounded like. It was a keeper and it still is with the exception of a fcouple of rough spots.

Peace be with you Larry, your visit to this planet is over and you are finally home.

Read Christianity Today’s online article about his last concert: this past Friday.

A connect for you writer types

By Chip Cain | Published February 25, 2008

The Festival of Faith & Writing is a biennial gathering of readers and writers hosted by Calvin College and will take place at Calvin College on April 17-19, 2008.

When can Marc Chagall visit my church?

By Chip Cain | Published February 17, 2008

A couple of years ago my church hosted a traveling exhibition of some lithographs by Marc Chagall & intaglio prints by Ben Zion. For many of us who enjoy art this was an exciting event in the life of our church: and I enjoyed being a part of it. There was a lot of preparation involved especially if you consider that we were only able to show the art for one weekend. Friday was the gala opening with close to 200 people attending. But because the church I attend is a large church there were many more viewing the art before and after our two services on Sunday morning. I heard from many in our congregation of how much they enjoyed viewing the works and marveling over how we were able to host such an exhibit. I need to share at this point that none of this would have been possible without Ed Knippers, an artist in his own right, and Christians In the Visual Arts (CIVA) making these works available: we are thankful that they have.There is something about the works of Chagall that I need to share. His lithographs were visual representations found in the Old Testament and some of the people depicted were naked or partially naked. As I have said the comments received were positive with the exception of two (that I know of). One was upset that the works shown were not by Christians: Chagall & Zion were both orthodox Jews. And the other one was clearly upset by the nudity. But when we discussed the issue further they stated that it “would have been no problem if these works were viewed in a museum somewhere.” This has sparked some thinking about where Art meets Church and I would like to hear from you on some of these questions rattling about in my brain. I have provided a sample of the art from the exhibition for you to consider: if you click on the picture you will see a somewhat larger version.

So . . .

  • Should only art by Christians be displayed at church?
  • When can Art containing nudity be displayed in the church?
  • Why is Art that is ok in the museum not ok in the church?
  • Are answers to the above questions absolutes or would they vary depending on the situation?


Friends are going to Louisiana

By Chip Cain | Published February 13, 2008

I have friends leaving for New Orleans at the end of the week to  help with the ongoing work needed. Not just to rebuild houses but to rebuild lives as well. They will be keeping a Blog called the Katrina Project I hope you take time to read some of the past posts while waiting for the new ones.

What art would you choose

By Chip Cain | Published February 11, 2008

If you had the chance to illustrate the bible using art — Newly created or works that have been around seemingly forever: what artwork would you choose and which passage would it illustrate? When commenting feel free to add a link to your choice so we may see and add our comments. Feel free to share why you would use this passage and how does the art enhance the passage?

Need an example?
How about William Blake’s Ancient of Days? And the passage: how about Job 9:9?