Nathan E. Lewis

Are you critical of cubism or other forms of modern art as it departs from realistic depiction? Raphael’s ““The Alba Madonna” c. 1500 has some pleasing realistic parts to it, but it is the symbolic, non-realistic parts that make it a meaningful painting. The Christ child holds a cross in his hand and his focus is upon it. In the Gospels, the adult Jesus is intent upon his passion. When did he come to a realization that his first Advent would include the crucifixion? As the infinite Son of God, did he not know about the cross prior to his incarnation? As a baby, did he know about his role as the sole propitiation for the sins of the world? When did Jesus possess a messianic realization? What first century mother under the yoke of Rome would allow her baby to play with a toy cross, the implement of capital punishment? Mary’s gazes through the cross, “pondering these things in her mind.” Is she lost in thoughts stimulated from the reading of the book in her lap? Or is she thinking about her son and his miraculous birth and life mission? (more…)

Don’t miss Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art: Treasures from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam on display at the Portland Art Musuem, June 2 - September 16, 2007. Dust off your complete works
of Francis Schaeffer and use the index to locate each comment he makes about Rembrandt and the art that flowed from the Reformation. (more…)

Have you seen “Stranger than Fiction?” Each of the main characters in the end must change, putting the interests of others before his/her own. The hero discovers that he is not the author of his own story. He discovers the identity of his omniscient narrator, tracks her down and pleads for his life - a parable of prayer. His life is in the hands of another, under the control of the author. Through it all love flourishes.

Kim Alphandary painted “The Holy Family’s Escape Into Egypt,” using Luke Powell’s photograph of an Aghani family, the mother on a donkey with a child hidden at her breast. Her title for the painting is simply “Mary and Joseph,” (you can view it at analogizing.blogspot.com.) Kim told me that I should check out Luke’s web site. She considers Luke to be one of the best photographers she has ever discovered. I have been visiting www.lukepowell.com and have been moved by Luke’s photography, especially of the people, the children, of Afghanistan. This past week I contacted Luke and he sent to me the following excerpt from an essay he has published, explaining his work.
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This past week I had the privilege of connecting with Kim Alphandary (she is the sister of Evergreen member, Sally Mehler). Check out Kim’s painting at http://www.unknownnews.org/050712a-ka.html. Kim asked me to collect some Christian prayers to accompany her painting in her art show in Los Angeles this coming January. I gladly did so and have enjoyed interacting with her. Kim does not claim to be a Christian and readily admits her ignorance concerning the Christian faith and Scriptures. I am drawn to her sense of justice and her mission to promote peace and safety in the world. She is a journalist writing mostly about South American political issues. She is also a painter and she is presently working on a series for this show in early 2007. (more…)

Pagan: So, you are standing outside the museum today protesting the featured exhibit of NEA art?
Christian: It’s an abomination to my God and to my faith.
Pagan: I think that would be its purpose. There are a few of us around who don’t particularly revere your God or share your faith.
Christian: Does that give you the right to publicly desecrate God? What about freedom of religion?
Pagan: I believe that the exhibit is protected by the freedom of speech. By the way, what kind of art do you like?
Christian: Oh, I’m not much interested in art. This is the first time I’ve been to this museum.
Pagan: You mean, this is the first time you have actually stood on the steps of the museum. Give me some examples of 20th century art produced by your Church that would make a fine exhibition in this museum.
Christian: (pregnant pause) I don’t rightly know of any. Our church doesn’t encourage the arts.
Pagan: By the way, most of the art in this museum, the featured NEA exhibit excepted, was patronized by the Church in past centuries. You should go inside sometime soon, I mean, after the NEA art is gone. Here’s a complimentary pass to use at any time.
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Recently, I dragged myself to see our children perform “The Tempest.â€? I thought to myself, “These grammar school students are way over their heads! I’m going as a supportive parent and pastor, to view an educational exercise.â€? I was wrong. (more…)