The Bible, Religion, Art.

For having outlived monarchies, empires, tyrannies & despots the Bible is worthy of respect. Although largely secular, there is a resurgence of church attendance in Europe. Though I take religions seriously, I know none are perfect. They are containers for spiritual & social values which can be questioned & can change, I prefer those that allow you to leave & return permanently or not.

I question religion that does not allow human beings to be included in its art. I believe historical religious art wasn't just created as political propaganda for whoever the overlords of society were at the time. Even if you don't understand religious art, you can be attracted to it's beauty & skill.

An Ongoing Observation

For many decades I've seen an outpouring of art, not by professionals but by people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities - In adult education, in groups & communities, workshops, courses, online etc etc. It's often called Amateur art.

Has this a deeper purpose than being just a hobby - does it fill a vacuum, a need for a personal connection to the spark of creativity, which I believe is also connected to the Divine - a thing almost impossible to define. Is it an unconscious response to keep alive the spirit of personal creation in an age where many see ugliness prevailing in so many ways.

The two images  - one a pastel of a Hovering Angel, & a drawing of a jewelled medieval cross.