AESTHETIC VS. MORAL JUDGMENT
Dan (aka America's Young Theologian) is on to something with this post. (Err, rather, L. Greg Jones is on to something. Given that he's the dean of this place, I suppose that shouldn't be too surprising.)
I especially like Jones' point that a renewal of theological aesthetics (i.e., appreciating the role of beauty in Christian life) offers us a way beyond the legalism of both right and left. I can't help but wonder if this is connected in some way to the decline in significance of worship of many mainline Protestant churches. When was the last time you went to a church service where something--besides the sermon--made you sit up and say, holy crap, that's so beautiful. Beauty, I think, breeds generosity of spirit--something that is sorely lacking within the church right now. Furthermore, it seems to me that renewing the beauty of worship might go a long ways towards re-creating the mystery, solemnity, and awe-fulness that ought to characterize it also.
I especially like Jones' point that a renewal of theological aesthetics (i.e., appreciating the role of beauty in Christian life) offers us a way beyond the legalism of both right and left. I can't help but wonder if this is connected in some way to the decline in significance of worship of many mainline Protestant churches. When was the last time you went to a church service where something--besides the sermon--made you sit up and say, holy crap, that's so beautiful. Beauty, I think, breeds generosity of spirit--something that is sorely lacking within the church right now. Furthermore, it seems to me that renewing the beauty of worship might go a long ways towards re-creating the mystery, solemnity, and awe-fulness that ought to characterize it also.
2 Comments:
This should interest you as well:
http://americasyoungtheologian.blogspot.com/2005/07/meditation-on-matthew-54.html
Has a few holes...but it was already getting long.
Enjoy!
As the full-time chaplain at a Boy Scout camp this summer, I'm running usually 2 services a week in an outdoor ampitheater in a beautiful wooded setting. So, while I agree that asthetics are important in spiritual life, I have come to believe that natural asthetics far surpass anything created by the hand of man. I'll take a Bible Study by a wooded stream over mass at the most beautiful cathedral in the world any day of the week.
Sorry to be contrary.
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