I find many pieces of the religious art by Salvador Dali really quite intriguing. Some of his work is a little esoteric, but fascinating never the less.
Pondering the mysteries of God and at this time of the year, the death of Christ, through art is often a very helpful experience for me, and is a means of grace and rich blessing.
One of my favorite pieces is shown above and is called, Christ in Perspective (1950). I saw the beautiful original during the Salvador Dali exhibition here in Melbourne two years ago.
As I stood before the painting, it evoked a very deep sense of gratitude to God for His unspeakable gift. We do not often look upon the cross from this perspective, some might say that it was the view that God had of His Son on the cross.
Very thought provoking Commissioner. I have never truly appreciated art in that past. In light of your thoughts regard dali’s work, maybe it is due to the lack of understanding behind the work that is the issue I face.
This would be interesting if this was the view of Christ that God had. With Jesus’ face turned down from God.
Thanks for your blog!
Good morning Glenn, art is a very powerful communication of theology, you might like to do a google image serach of ‘religious art,’ and see what’s around and how you might be able to use it to speak to those for whom words fall short.
Hi Ray,
Here’s a new song that we’ll be singing this Easter time. The words reflect for me what the Dali painting is all about, and demonstrated in the scripture: “He was wounded for our transgressions . . . and by his stripes we are healed”, etc.
WOUNDED HEALER
Wounded healer – you are my saviour
You know the weight of my pain
Wounded healer – You came from heaven
Your sacrifice for my gain
Wounded healer I come to you now
I lay it all down
Take away the pride you have found
Wounded healer I come as I am,
To worship you
There’s nothing else I can do
Wounded healer I come
God of Heaven – My Lord and Master
Your love and mercy revealed
You sent Jesus – to be my Saviour
Through his wounds I am healed
Wounded healer I come to you now . . .
I lay it all down
Take away the pride you have found
Wounded healer I come as I am,
To worship you
There’s nothing else I can do
Wounded healer I come
David, the words of the song is sensational, where can I find the music?
Hi Ray
The words and music are written by myself. God gave me the song this past weekend. Bev and I plan to sing it/introduce it this Easter. It is a medium tempo ballad with an easily memorable vocal line, suitable for just traditional piano/guitar chord accomp. or adaption to contemporary worship group. Hopefully I will get the music into my ScoreWriter program over next few days. Happy to email you a PDF of the melody and chords later in the week.
David, how talented are you two people. I would love to receive a copy of the music when you get it done. Thanks
Wow, David – what a beautiful song – can’t wait until it’s available to all worship groups!
Ray, one of the outstanding things you have brought to the church is the ability to open up to outside – something that seems often lost in many churches. Thankyou for that.
I have in the past been accused of being esoteric and sadly at first I took that as a compliment, as I mistook it for meaning spiritual (as in touch with Jesus rather than an imaginary ‘universe’…haha)
God willing that we all have the ability to see God’s work and Jesus’ face in all things – being told you worship the earth because you see brilliance in all creation is just crazy and so, so wrong. Take away all the mumbo jumbo, bad thoughts and intention (and even some good!), trust everything to Him in prayer – all this rather than, “Oh my goodness, is someone watching me and will THEY judge?”
From waking in the morning, going through the motions of life, seeing the good in everything you can – what a revelation it is. I have heard people say, “Well, I don’t like her art because she wasn’t christian,” or “I wont read his novels because he was an atheist,” or even, “I don’t trust natural therapies because they are from the devil,” – surely not, when from Genesis we are told to use what He left intentionally for us, to use as medicine AND food? Do people honestly ask the ‘checkout chick’ if they are christian before they hand over money, or the banker, or the doctor, or the teacher, or the…. you get the picture.
God should be with us, in all we do – and that should provide a very adequate clear mind and eye to discern? I love art and museums – to walk with blinkers on and have to pick and choose would be so futile and close us off to so much beauty.
Thanks for reminding us of all there is in this life to appreciate and be thankful for.
I thank you humbly for sraihng your wisdom JJWY
Lulu, the world is filled with the sights and sounds of God. Some are that of the natural world around us and others come from the world of our own creation, either way, they reflect things outside of ourselves, bigger, more beautiful, wholesome and inspiring. Sadly, so much of it is passed by unnoticed. We are all in too much of a rush and miss the beautiful of life.
There are some almost haunting pictures of Christ on the cross and this would have to be among them. Surely these artists must have some personal experience of Christ to be able to portray as they do. I have been focusing on the cross in my recent reading and I stand in awe of the wonderful grace of God in giving His Son for me. I’ve even asked myself whether I am worth such a sacrifice and can only come back to the fact that He thought I was and that really touches my heart more than anything. Artistry speaks to the heart but all that He did for us speaks even louder and captures the very depths of my being.
Val, a beautifully revealing comment, thank you. I suspect, the issue of ‘worthiness’ depends upon the perspective from which it is viewed. I mean, seen through our eyes as we look at the crucified Christ, no we are not worthy. But you and me seen through the eyes of God,from His persepective, we are worthy and that worthiness has been “demonstrated in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for US.”
Don’t you just love Easter, it moves me deeply.
Easter is my favourite part of the Christian Calendar. I love Christmas, but Easter speaks to us about the real meaning of His coming to earth. How can it not move our hearts?
Val, Easter never fails to move me, more than any other time.
Tnkhas for the insight. It brings light into the dark!