It Will Only Feel Like an Eternity

The main draw of Christianity for many people is the fact that they will be raised from the dead and spend eternity with Christ. I have often struggled with the idea of living forever. Sometimes I wish that we were given the choice to not live forever. Don't get me wrong, I don't look forward to death. But when it happens why can't I just stay dead? I have heard people talk about how no one can understand how great heaven is or how wonderful it will be. I completely agree with them, but I still would like the choice to enjoy my life with Christ and then peacefully enter into non-existence. I really don't expect anyone to agree with me, but I will still pray for a temporal existence.

Another thing that I often question is why God will raise people for the Last Judgment. Why not just let those people be dead? Why raise people, just to punish them forever? The expression, "beating a dead horse" comes to mind here.

I know that God has a better understanding of all this than me so I will leave it in his capable hands.

Just a Quick Note to Ponder

In my Theology, Worship and Art class we talked about the connection between art and prophecy. I am purposely choosing not to elaborate on this because I want people to draw their own conclusions. We also talked about the prophets as practicing some of the earliest forms of performance art in order to bring about change (including John the Baptist).

Life is Good

I think everyone has heard songs reminding them to be thankful for the people they have in their life. Today, I am reminded of how lucky I am and how good my life is. Melody has been sick the past four days and she has been at home with me (sleeping mostly). I hate seeing her sick, but I love having her home with me while I do my homework.

I am a full time student and I have a great part time job and a wife that loves me. I don't know what else I can ask for out of this life. It becomes so easy for me to complain about an assignment or a professor, but I know that I have it so good. This life moves so fast and I don't know how long it will be this good so I want to really enjoy it. I am standing in the sun on a cold winter day hoping that the sun will stay on me as long as possible.

Worship Through Art

This first picture is a piece of liturgical art that I found particularly powerful by John Kiefer. It is entitled, "Can you drink the cup I am to drink..."

The rest of these pictures are sanctuaries that used art to transform their church into a worship space.

Tradition (continued)

After writing my previous post, I learned that the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles has artwork on the wall representative of this tradition. I have linked included a link for those who are interested. From what I have heard, this is a tapestry that is mounted on the wall that gives the illusion that one is worshipping with the saints.

I am currently taking a class titled, Worship, Theology and Art and I want to share a quote from one of the lectures.

"Christianity will not win the war of ideas, as long as it continues to lose the war of images—this is where the decisive battle is being fought today. Who has the better story? Who shows it in the most dramatic audience immersing way? This is what this course is about."

I have become increasingly interested in how artistic expression can be incorporated into worship and in the creation of a sanctuary.

A Tradition

Someone once told me that the church is weaker the moment I walk in the door. While this is a valuable insight, I prefer the comment of my amazing wife. She reminded me that I have something unique and important to contribute. This doesn't just apply to me, but to everyone who has put their faith in Jesus Christ. Being a Christian means that one is now part of the larger history and tradition of the Church. The history of the Church includes those brave souls who loved the church so much that they were willing to die on its behalf. I am humbled by the fact that I am now part of this tradition.