The relation of the Arts to Theology in Medieval Christianity: An Introduction

 

In many ways, the Middle Ages was the era of art and beauty. Some of the greatest works of literature were written during this era. Indeed, Chaucer, Dante, and Thomas Malory left timeless classics that have been read and enjoyed for generations. Likewise, even today, the architecture from the Romanesque and Gothic eras still intrigues those in western society. The influence of art, however, went far beyond literature. No doubt, even many theologians appreciated its value. 

Hugh of St. Victor (11th-12th centuries) was a canon in the Catholic Church. Influenced by Saint Augustine of Hippo, he saw value in both philosophy and art. An important scholastic of the Middle Ages, he also believed that both the arts and philosophy can support theology. No doubt, his views were not rare. Medieval art reflected theological values through architecture, illuminated manuscripts, and Medieval stained glass windows. Certainly, I will discuss his views more soon. Additionally, I hope to discuss my love of illuminated manuscripts in future posts. 

As I have been taking a course in Medieval Art through Liberty University's programs, I have felt more inspired towards the study of the Crusades and the western Middle Ages than I have in years. For me, reading about the illuminated manuscripts, the frescoes of Byzantine art, and the architecture of the Islamic world, has continued to build my understanding of the Medieval experience. Indeed, the Bamberg Psalter reflects the Christian values of its era by its depiction of Judas betraying Jesus as described in the Biblical accounts. Likewise, reading about how the Eucharist was a central component of early Christianity has revised some of my earlier criticism of mainstream Evangelical Christianity---which has put the focus more on the preacher's performance behind the pulpit, than on the Body and Blood of Christ. 

I wish to discuss the relationship between Christianity and Medieval Art in my next posts. I have much to talk about. 

''God is the ultimate artist and we have the ability to make crafts of His workmanship. ''

-Joshua Dotson

A Review of Humility as described in The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis

 

As of late, I have greatly enjoyed reading The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis. I believe that there is much to spiritually learn from this work. As I continued reading the section on Affection in this book, I greatly admired the following passage: 

''In Jane Austen's novel, Emma intends that Harriet Smith should have a happy life; but only the sort of happy life which Emma herself has planned for her. My own profession-that of a university teacher-is in this way dangerous. If we are any good we must always be working towards the moment at which our pupils are fit to become our critics snd rivals. We should be delighted when it arrives, as the fencing master is delighted when his pupil can pink and disarm him. And many are (Lewis, p. 51, 1960).''

I felt gladdened by this passage as I see such humility from Lewis here. He doesn't desire to be the greatest- in fact, he wishes for his students to surpass him. Nor does he believe that he holds the pedestal that all else must live up to. This is amazing. Lewis demonstrates Christ to his readers by his lack of concern over being the best among men. 

As I read this passage, I prayed to God for such humility. I truly believe that we humans are most happy when we are most humble. Take away our pride and we are not defensive over ourselves. From our pride flows our defensive nature to protect ourselves from others seeing us less than how we wish to be seen, and by being defensive, our efforts become all about defending ourselves rather than loving others. Indeed, no man on earth can think of others if his pride consumes his thoughts. Pride actually bounds us from freedom. Only through Christ can our efforts be reversed from our sinful tendencies which somehow tell us that we are the standard of what everyone else should be.