Art as Worship

This Sunday we are meeting at the Columbus Art Museum for our discussion. First, the formalities – the art museum is free on Sundays, as is parking. We usually go from 3:00 to 5:00, but this time let’s start our discussion at 3:30 – we’ll meet in the central area where the chairs are. So, if you get there at 3:00, you’ll have 30 minutes to look at the gallery (or you can get there earlier, I’ll probably be there between 2:00 and 2:30). I don’t really care what you look at, so long as you are at least aware of the larger question, but it would be a good idea to at least look briefly at the European religious art section as it will certainly be relevant for our conversation. The museum closes at 5:30, so people should have a few minutes to look around at the end as well.

What would be best is if everyone could pick a work of art or two before the discussion that you fell best communicates spiritual meaning or makes an impact on you. We could certainly discuss how the image itself has changed it role in the Christian community, but I would rather focus more on us than the past. I really have no idea where our discussion will go (as I don’t really know the cma’s collection), but it should be fun and maybe we could even repeat it every six months or so if it goes well since we have discussed having a commitment to the arts as a potential aspect of our group.

The Way We See It

This idea has been tossed around a few times, and I'd really love to get it rolling for a few reasons. I'd like to offer everyone (members of the cohort, readers of the blog, family, friends, unknown stalkers, everyone) the opportunity to share their unique perspective on Christianity, the church, the world, and the "emergent church." The concept is based upon the Starbucks cups that have different quotes, and a number after the phrase "The Way I See It." (Interestingly enough, when I did a quick search, this hilarious article came up.) Eventually, I would like to film everyone offering their thoughts, along with fitting and thought-provoking footage for the purpose of eventually editing together a sort of "intro to how we see emergent" video.

So if you are interested, here are the questions to think about, write down some thoughts, brainstorm what you would say about:

1. How have you seen and experienced Christianity in the past?
   
2. What do you see are some of the greatest needs of the world, your community? (these can be both religious and non-religious needs)
   
3. How do you see the "emergent church"? In other words, what are you experiencing in the emergent church? How would you describe it in your own life?