Stained glass windows are beautiful and intriguing to say the least.
The Church would use the stained glass for both beauty and education. You see, they not only were magnificently beautiful, but they also were a reminder to those attending church, as well as those who may pass by from the outside, of various Bible stories. From creation to crucifixion, you’re sure to find a panel of stained glass in the world that portrays it.
I find these stained glass windows very interesting. They are a reminder to the Church, today, from the Church centuries ago.
- Be creative.
- Do your work with excellence.
- Create something that’s worth sharing with the world.
- Tell a story.
- Invest in what you believe in.
- Not all art needs a picture of Jesus and dudes in robes.
- More?
More.
What else can we learn from this?
Look at these beautiful examples of stained glass and tell me what you think we, the Church of today, can learn from the Church of yesterday, as it relates to the creative arts?
Here’s an interesting selection of the Top English Church Stained Glass Windows, too.
So, what do you think? What else can we learn from this?
[via Wikipedia | HT: Kevin Morley]
Jonathan Assink says
While I 100% agree that not all art has to be “Jesus and dudes in robes”, stained glass is to me a wonderful reminder of the value (if not importance) of telling the Story in our liturgical art. I think art in the church reaches its fullest potential when it helps people connect to the Biblical narrative we continue to live in today.
Eric Dye says
Agreed.
MGalloway says
This post reminds me of what I re-read the other week in the Book of Exodus. With the building of the portable tabernacle in the wilderness, specific directions were given as to its dimensions, the furnishings, and how it was to be set up (including the materials to use). There are directions as to the type of wood to use (for the ark for example), directions for the priestly garments, and even the colors to use (red, blue, purple, I think). I even heard recently of some interpretations of the meaning behind the bells and pomegranates on one of the garments.
What I remember most is that God called certain artisans to perform the work, and gave them the wisdom/gifts to carry out his instructions (see Exodus 31:1-11). I have no doubt the same has occured over the centuries when it comes to stained glass artwork, music, writing, painting, etc.
Eric Dye says
Great stuff, man. Thanks for sharing!
Chris Rouse says
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has written about the place of stained glass in church (http://www.chrisrouse.us/stop-complaining-about-the-lights). I’m tired of hearing people complain about video and lighting in church, but forgetting that it’s just a modern extension of stained glass. Both introduce visual elements and filtered light into an environment. Both have a place and one is not greater than the other.
Eric Dye says
Nice! I love the connection you’ve made!