Images of Church...

















I seem fast becoming a Prodigal Kiwi(s) groupie!

Alan Jamieson uses two pictures to illustrate what church should and shouldn't be (here). His insights are well worth a read.

"The Church at Auver" painted by Van Gogh and the classic "Blitzed St Paul's" convey distinct and contrasting images of church. Alan Jamieson has them on his wall - I want them on mine now too as a reminder of what church should and shouldn't be. One standing for hope amoungst fragmentation and destruction - the other standing as an irrelevant out of shape obstacle to be walked around.

Comments

youthwork southwest said…
I've been thinking about the whole emergent thing again recently - would be interesting to hear where you are on it right now...
1:19 PM
Eleanor Burne-Jones said…
Hmm I noticed his Riddell quote on cyber monks, and comment on http://franciscansalvationist.blogspot.com

Cyber church seems to be a vital add-on for a lot of Christians I come across who are taking a break from the 'real' thing. But it isn't enough, and I would not want to rely on it for sustenance. It gives some nourishment, but just not enough. The prayer rooms are the best resource within it I think. There I can find people to pray with usually, regardless of the time of day or night or topic on my mind. For example I was able to undertake to pray with others every day for LArche Manchester, and that is possible through the Christian chats. It would be difficult in my neighbourhood.

The Third Order Franciscans, (my order) are growing fast, which is interesting. Even there though, some of the younger brothers and sisters are casting around for deeper spiritual nourishment and more impetus, challenge and encouragement for mission.
pax et bonum
6:36 AM
Caroline said…
oh goodness, am I the only one who looked at the two pictures and your introduction and put the interpretation round the other way? One misshpen, imperfect, tangible and approachable, the other an untouchable edifice, distant, unfriendly and unconnected...
9:06 PM
Gordon said…
:o) arrrh caroline the beauty of interpretation!!
10:21 PM
Heather's place said…
Caroline, me too. I rushed to read to the end of the post to see what the 'right' answer was.

Among other things I saw colour, familiarity and informality (things I like) against formality, distance and bleakness.

I often use powerpoint to put together images to illustrate music we use in worship. My response to these pictures has given me something to think about.

Interesting isn't it. I may blog some more thoughts myself.
10:25 PM
Tim said…
Wow! The new background looks amazing! Guess it's time for some more tutoring!
1:23 PM
Gordon said…
tim - it's in the code!! I copied Joel Ivany's which looked pretty cool and just changed the url
3:49 PM
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