Freedom in Lent - Day 17

The Church has a mixed relationship with creativity and the arts. The puritan influence on the Church, including the Anglican Church, had a massively detrimental effect on the support of the visual arts, music, and any creative expressions of faith - an obsession with words saw the stripping of Altars, smashing of stained glass windows, destruction of statues, rejection of the visual arts, and an abandonment of music beyond simple chants. 

Creativity, however, refused to be stifled, and there have been many resurgences of the creative arts over the centuries, as the Church at large has rejected, piece by piece the simplistic, plain, unadorned approach to church buildings, vestments, worship, and the celebration of that creativity which reflects our calling to be co-creators with God (as mentioned in this blog from a couple days back). 

I am grateful that in our community of St John the Divine, the freedom to be creative, in worship, with our music, and through the visual arts is alive and well. Just a few days ago we had a retreat day during which we made our own versions of the book of hours (a popular medieaval devotional publication, often artistically adorned). My own (half finished) offering is pictured below - a book of Compline!

The freedom to be creative is a gift to us, and part of our very nature as being made in the image of God. Whether we think we are 'good at art' or not, may we each find a way to express the creative spirit within us. 

For it was you who formed my inward parts;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
   Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.

                                                Psalm 139.14,15