ReformationArt
Puritan Board Freshman
I am sure this topic has been discussed before, but it's on my mind. I was recently struck by the marketing surrounding a forthcoming Crossway title the Vintage Jesus. Please note that I did not link to the official site, because it contains multiple various so-called images of Jesus. Although I never felt strongly on this issue growing up, I became firmly convinced in my studies during my seminary years that Scripture does forbid the making and using of such images. However, when I mention that to other Christians they look at me like I'm some crazy backwoods snakehandler! The look in their eyes is like I had taken away their childhood security blanket. They can't seem to fathom that such pictures would offend God. After all, look at the "success" of the Jesus Film, the Passion of the Christ (touted as the greatest evangelism opportunity since the time of the apostles), and the pages of children's Bibles and pictures books.
Through my work on Reformation Art, I have likely seen more pictures of Jesus than most Roman Catholics! Part of my work is digging through all of the garbage to find the gems. Apart from plucking at your eyes, it is nearly impossible to avoid seeing these images. Normally I have to search through thousands of images in a dealer's online catalog to find images to use for the site, and normally, at least half of their "religious images" contain some sort of proposed grotesque likeness of the Christ. And if you haven't already figured it out, I have a strict policy against carrying such images on my site.
I have written a brief 2 page paper, setting forth this important doctrine from Scripture. You can download it here. It is followed by a 13 page appendix of some great quotes from church history on the matter.
I appreciate your interaction and feedback!
Soli Deo Gloria,
Through my work on Reformation Art, I have likely seen more pictures of Jesus than most Roman Catholics! Part of my work is digging through all of the garbage to find the gems. Apart from plucking at your eyes, it is nearly impossible to avoid seeing these images. Normally I have to search through thousands of images in a dealer's online catalog to find images to use for the site, and normally, at least half of their "religious images" contain some sort of proposed grotesque likeness of the Christ. And if you haven't already figured it out, I have a strict policy against carrying such images on my site.
I have written a brief 2 page paper, setting forth this important doctrine from Scripture. You can download it here. It is followed by a 13 page appendix of some great quotes from church history on the matter.
I appreciate your interaction and feedback!
Soli Deo Gloria,