The Art of Interpretation: A Divine Invitation
(A presentation I gave at our University Fellowship of Christians public meeting: An Evening of Story and Song, 2024 August)
A few months ago, Christians across the internet were appalled when a screenshot of a moment in time during the Olympics Opening Ceremony was shared juxtaposed against da Vinci’s Last Supper painting.
We all interpret art: as individuals with the information in front of us, as individuals with our past experiences behind us, and as individuals within the communities around us. This is a powerful reminder that art is subjective and can be interpreted in various ways.
The Power of Interpretation
Our personal experiences, beliefs, and biases shape how we understand art. For example, someone who has experienced personal loss might interpret a painting of a solitary figure very differently than someone who has always felt surrounded by loved ones.
Cultural context also plays a significant role in how we interpret art. A piece of art created in a particular culture may hold special meaning for people from that culture, while others might struggle to understand its significance.
Example: The Olympic Opening Ceremony image, when juxtaposed with the Last Supper, sparked a wide range of reactions. Some saw it as a blasphemous insult, while others interpreted it as a playful nod to the universality of human experience.
Here’s my take on the Last Supper on the Seine fiasco:
Paul and Pagan Expressions
Throughout history, artists, poets, musicians, actors and thinkers have often borrowed from other cultures to express their ideas. When the apostle Paul was strolling through the Athenian market place, he could have chosen to be offended by the sight of a blank spot among the statues of the gods leaving room for the “unknown God”. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to connect with a shared, human need and entered into a conversation with the Athenians. He introduced them to Jesus.
Paul drew analogies from Greek mythology and philosophy to explain complex theological concepts. This approach helped him to connect with his audience and make his message more accessible.
Similarly, the Olympic Opening Ceremony image, while seemingly secular, can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation. By using Christian imagery in a new context, the organizers may have inadvertently invited viewers to consider the deeper meanings behind these symbols. The transcendental, if you will. A yearning for belonging and community. A great meme has been floating around the internet claiming that the TRUE miracle of the gospels was that a 30 year old man had TWELVE close friends.
God's Image and Humanity
God has no image apart from those he created - he commanded his ancient people to create no graven image of himself - not because he was afraid that other people would mock him - but because humanity was created to represent him to the world
Thus we have an important role to play when secular society co-opts Christian imagery - image God as he has revealed himself in Exodus 34:6-7
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”
As living, breathing works of art, THESE are the characteristics we’re to show the world.
These characteristics were ultimately displayed in Christ during his ultimate reception of mockery -
Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.
So let us invite the world to the table of Christ - a table of inclusion. A table where the gospel is on full display - Where Christ says this is my body and blood given for you. May they may come to the table and also find transformation and healing and family.
The 17th Century poet, George Herbert communicated transformation and belonging in his poem
Love (III)
Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,
If I lacked any thing.
A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:
Love said, You shall be he.
I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,
I cannot look on thee.
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
Who made the eyes but I?
Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.
And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?
My dear, then I will serve.
You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:
So I did sit and eat.
come. Sit. Eat and drink.
So come to the table of Jesus. Eat and drink. You are welcome to taste and see that he is good. You are welcome to stay and find transformation and belonging.
I’d love to show you a recent example of how artists, filmmakers, scriptwriters, actors and musicians have interpreted the transcendental, imagining a moment in the gospels when:
A woman, longing for transformation and belonging, meets Jesus.
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