Anna Layman ~ Jacques Maritain ~ Creative Intuition in Art and Poetry

"But the substance of man is obscure to himself. He knows not his soul, except in the fluid multiplicity of passing phenomena which emerge from it and are more or less clearly attained by reflective consciousness, but only increase the enigma, and leave him more ignorant of the essence of his Self. He knows not his own subjectivity. Or, if he knows it, it is formlessly, by feeling it as a kind of propitious and enveloping night. Melville, I think, was aware of that when he observed that “no man can ever feel his own identity aright except his eyes be closed; as if darkness were indeed the proper element of our essences.” Subjectivity as subjectivity is inconceptualizable; is an unknowable abyss. How, then, can it be revealed to the poet?
The poet does not know himself in the light of his own essence. Since man perceives himself only through a repercussion of his knowledge of the world of things, and remains empty to himself if he does not fill himself with the universe, the poet knows himself only on the condition that things resound in him, and that in him, at a single wakening, they and he come forth together out of sleep. In other words, the primary requirement of poetry, which is the obscure knowing, by the poet, of his own subjectivity, is inseparable from, is one with another requirement- the grasping, by the poet, of the objective reality of the outer and inner world: not by means of concepts and conceptual knowledge, but by means of an obscure knowledge which I shall describe in a moment as knowledge through affective union." ~ (pg. 83)
I got reminded some of the discussions that occured in class when I read this. Bringing in some of the thoughts of Buber, 'I' is the subject. Then there is the 'other' (being and beings.) The 'other' is connected to "you" (the subject), and "it" (the object). The spirit is man's response to his 'you.'
But we do not know ourselves as 'you.' We experience things as 'it'. To understand the forms and figures around us, we must objectify them. How do we know ourselves? We percieve ourselves through our objective reality of the world. Art allows us to free ourselves from the objective reality of the world. It helps us to experience reality as we want to experience it, not as we have learned to experience it.

Anna Layman ~ Jacques Maritain ~ Creative Intuition in art and poetry

"Now it seems to me that three principal steps might be discerned in the evolution of modern art, especially modern painting and poetry. Fisrt, it endeavors to free itself from nature and the forms of nature. It transforms nature, not only by carrying to extremes the law of deformation of natural appearances which painting has always brought into play, but also by causing another universe of forms and relations between forms- disclosing a deeper reality, more akin to our dreams, angers, anguish, or melancholy- to arise from nature in art’s own fabrics of colors or of words. And in great artists this in no way implies any contempt for or divorce from nature. They rather steal from nature its own secrets of poetry" (pg. 53)
Art is a creative virtue of the intellect. We connect with nature and its beauty, and through art we try to imitate the forms we see. I think that in nature, our desire for self expression is enhanced. Nature has for a very long time been part of art; such as painting and poetry. We see in it a part of us, and try to connect with this through our creative intuitions. There is a spiritual depth to our art, and it can convey messages of our reality. We can bring into it our emotions, our relationships with the world. Nature is beauty. Religious art makes the connection with this beauty. God created the world, to some, and therefore God is beauty. There is aesthetical beauty and trancendental beauty. Dante said, the “beauty of anything created is nothing else than a similarity of divine beauty participated in by things, the existence of all things derives from divine beauty.” In the eyes of God all that exists is beautiful, to the very extent to which it participates in being. The beauty that god beholds is transcendental beauty. When we participate in the beauty of the world through art, we are therefore participating with God.

Anna Layman ~ Harrison ~ Ancient Art and Ritual

"Movement, then, action, is, as it were, the goal and the end of thought. Perception finds its natural outlet and completion in doing. But here comes in a curious consideration important for our purpose. In animals, in so far as they act by "instinct," as we say, perception, knowing, isusually followed immediately and inevitably by doing, by such doing as is calculated to conserve the animal and his species; but in some of the higher animals, and especially in man, where the nervous system is more complex, perception is not instantly transformed into action; there is an interval for choice between several possible actions. Perception is pent up and becomes, helped by emotion, conscious _representation_. Now it is, psychologists tell us, just in this interval, this space between perception and reaction, this momentary halt, that all our mental life, our images, our ideas, our consciousness, and assuredly our religion and our art, is built up. If the cycle of knowing, feeling, acting, were instantly fulfilled, that is, if we were a mass of well-contrived instincts, we should hardly have _dromena_, and we should certainly never pass from _dromena_ to _drama_. Art and religion, though perhaps not wholly ritual, spring from the incomplete cycle, from unsatisfied desire, from perception and emotion that have somehow not found immediate outlet in practical action. When we come later to establish the dividing line between art and ritual we shall find this fact to be cardinal."
We discussed some of what Harrion said in class. We, as humans, have a choice when it comes to our actions. Although I'm not sure that we can say for sure if animals do not have a choice between perception and action. Through our consciousness, we are aware of how we percieve things. Through our perception we have emotion, and through our emotions we find action. This is where religion and art arise. There would be no religion and no art if we only acted on instincts, and had no choice. Through creating, we find the use of symbols. We can express ourselves in expressing the world we create.

Anna Layman ~ Van der Leeuw ~ art

"The principle of form, the figure, is therefore that which in art rules everything, but not as pure form. Being beautiful is not art; intellectual, ethical, and religious values are not art. But the form of art gives to the values a 'new mode of reality and thereby a basis of value.' Therefore, forming and experiencing are not separated, nor is forming a direct expression of experiencing, 'but forming unseals experience, makes it possible, conveys it, exalts it." ~pg. 278
Art allows us to create our own reality. Through own experiences, we grow as humans, and as artist. Self expression is the key, I believe, to art. Art reflects our lives and takes us on a journey. The artrist creates forms that mirror their life. Therefore through art we can create a world with our being. And with religious art, God is the creator. We are His image. And through Him, and our faiths, we live.

Anna Layman ~ Van der Leeuw ~ music

"Just as music binds power, so it also assists in its release. Here not only rhythm but, above all, melody and timbre, have an important function. Drums put shamans into ecstasy, the flute the bacchantes. Many primitive peoples think the flute spraks with the voice of a spirit; other believe the drum is filled with spirits. The more the instrument is filled with power, the more violently the player or listeneer becomes 'beside himself.' Wild, stimulating music grips the spirits of men everywhere in the world." ~ pg. 216
I think the ideas in some primal cultures of spirits/music is really interesting. I wish there was more emphasis but into the importance and power of music in our culture. It seems that mostly it is just for entertainment and enjoyment. I have felt a spiritual connection with the music, with the rhythm, while dancing at drum circles. There is an energy that is created with the beat of the drum and the movement of the dancers. It can be very powerful, so powerful that you forget where you are or what you are doing.
Some people got to experience this, some what, for the first time when we had a drum circle during class. We didn't even have dancing, yet I think people felt connected through the rhythm. The more we got into it, like when we were all yelling and screaming at the top of our lungs, then more you forget where you are, who you are. Music, filled with religious intention none the less, can free the spirit.

Anna Layman ~ Van der Leeuw ~ drama

Van der Leeuw, on page 102, gives a quote from Goethe about the 'dangers' of dramatic art:
"'Tis said, it could be very harmful
To make profession of disguise
And see and act through others' eyes;
If this is very often done,
A man becomes the other one."
And then Van der Leeuw goes on to say, "Dramatic art is thus characterized as the basis of all art and, we may safely add, of all humanity. For it is one of the most noble forms of the great human art of comprehension, of placing one's self "inside another." To find all men in yourself, that is the secret. And that is not only the secret of drama, but also the secret of forgiveness and of love."
I think that the poem is saying that if you, through art, represent yourself as someone else, in time you can forget that you are a reproduction. When in trying to imitate someone, you become not a reproduction, but a second thing. I think this can be seen in some of the great actors. For example, when Heath Ledger acted as the Joker in Batman. I believe that he got so wrapped up in acting as the Joker, that he in a sense became the Joker. It drove him mad, and drove him to his death. As said, there is a danger in dramatic art.
On a lighter note, I really like what Van der Leeuw says about placing yourself 'inside another.' To understand, to forgive, to love, we have to realize that we are all connected. Whether we are all the same, one entity; or all entities of one of the same. I think in dramatic expression this takes on a deeper meaning when we relate it to religion. To express oneself religously, you have already found a common group with the other that you are imitating. There is no higher power than the love of God that is expressed through dramatic treatment on religious materials.

Logan Shermeyer-Renaissance Art continued.. Perfect Form

Renaissance art is known for the many representations of the perfect human body. And the Renaissance period of art is best known for its religious influence and connection to God. But what bothers me about the Renaissance artists is that God created everyone in his own image, and everyone does not have perfect form like the artists portrayed them. I think that if the Renaissance artists truly wanted to connect with God and wanted to portray God's creations, they would not have created sculptures and paintings of humans in "ideal form."

Logan Shermeyer-Religious Tattoos

Kelsey's presentation on religion in tattoo art was extremely interesting.
As a person with many tattoos, I find that they are a great way to express yourself and to share your life experiences and beliefs with others. While none of my tattoos are religious in nature, I respect those who have religious tattoos.
I respect anyone who stands up for their beliefs. My tattoo on my wrist is three X's which stands for my belief in straight edge; a lifestyle choice that is free of drugs, alcohol, and promiscuous sex. It is the closest thing to religion that I do believe in and I stand up for my convictions.
Religious tattoos are a great way to represent one's convictions and beliefs and it is something that people should be proud of and it is a great way to connect with a higher power.

Anna Layman ~ Van der Leeuw ~ dance

I want to reflect on Van der Leeuw discussion of dance in our culture. From pages 32-35; he reflects a lot on what Chesterton says about dance also.
"We have lost the dance as an element of culture almost completely. ...Profane dance is an outgrowth of the originial dance. ...The great difficultly, indeed the tradgedy of our modern life, lies in the fact that we differentiate between the things which concern us and things which do not concern us."
I feel that we have truly lost dance, but dance has not lost us. It is not part of our every day lives or culture. But when we feel a beat, when we give into the rhythm, something very natural comes about. Something very powerful and very primal. We live in a world of dichotomy, as Van der Leeuw goes on to discuss. Things are either one way or another. Our lives are so structured, so ordered. Dance, to us, is something foreign. There is structure and order in dance, but not the type we are used to.
"When we dance, we do not pray; when we pray, we do not dance. And when we work, we can neither dance nor pray."
I think it would do people good to let loose and 'dance' a little more in their lives. Dancing and praying should go together more often than they are allowed. Dance in church. Why not? After all, God is movement. I feel that when there is dance while 'praying,' there is more power felt and a greater connection can be made between the person and the divine.
"But the dance is truly alive only when one not merely stages dance productions, but dances himself; when the dance is the natural expression of the man who is just as conscious of his body as he is of his soul. In the dance, the boundaries between body and soul are effaced. The body moves itself spiritually, the spirit bodily."
I never understood it when I go out to a concert, pay to be there, and then am surrounded by people not moving. What? Feel the groove! Let yourself move with the vibrations of the sound. People these days are too reserved. Music makes the world go 'round. Listen to nature. It has a beautiful song, and dance. I have been to places, such as the Relay for Life on campus, and no one will dance when the bands are playing. But as soon as the radio comes on, and something like the "Macarana" or the "Electric slide" is played, everyone stands up and 'dances.' Can we only move when we are being told how to? Going back to the quote; you cannot stage dance. You have to allow the boundaries of the body and soul to be broken. I'll end my rambling with a quote I really like: "Live like you're going to die tomorrow, dance like no one is watching, love like you've never been hurt." :)

Logan Shermeyer-Renaissance Art

I started thinking more about the art that was produced during the Renaissance period and started to wonder about the religious connnection that each artist made with their art. Is it possible that many of the artists didn't believe in the religious aspect of their art and did it just for the money?
I know it sounds absurd, but a lot of these artists were commissioned to produce religious works of art, so I think it's completely possible that the artists weren't connecting with a higher power through their art. I think the religious aspect of the art definitely came from those who commissioned the artists, and because it was extremely popular for the time period.
Comments, questions, arguments?

Logan Shermeyer-The Power of Religion-Sarah Bella's Presentation

I found Sarah Bella's presentation on the movie, The Haunting in Connecticut, to be very interesting and showed how powerful religion can be in a healing sense.
I do believe in healing and I do believe that others can be healed through faith and religion and that someone is looking out for their best interest. The movie definitely demonstrated the healing power of religion and how it helped to get rid of the spirits that were present in the house. While I think that the movie showed the extreme side of the healing power of religion, I do believe that things like that are possible and that religion is something that many can count on when they are in need.

Logan Shermeyer-Religion in Art

Van der Leeuw, p. 155
"In the very ability to make images there is a religious component."

While it is extremely common for artists to connect to religion through their work, especially in the Renaissance period, I think it is completely possible for art to be a disconnect from religion.
I understand that art is imitation of the world around us and that our surroundings were created by God in many people's eyes, but I think that one can create art or recreate the world around us without connecting with a higher power.
Sometimes art can be therapeutic and relaxing without religion being pulled into it. A way to get away from the world.

Any thoughts on this?

Andrey- Music

What does music in essence really represent? Why is the human race so infatuated with the concept of music/song? I believe that all music, after its initial play in a certain situation or moment, literally becomes that moment. Music is memories; that nostalgic feeling that overcomes you and almost tangibly, visibly, and emotionally allows you to relive that moment, which you would otherwise not even remember if you did not hear that particular piece of music. Music that triggers memory almost literally takes you out of the present world and into the previous. Where would we, as humans, be today without music? Is music responsible for any of the advancements humanity has accomplished? Does music ever hit someone deep inside so hard that it gives them an epiphany that changes perception or the world? Music often leads to peace, love, and unity, which results in positive outcomes. A concert with thousands of people is a perfect example. Through the music and ecstatic experience, people of different cultures and nations unite under the umbrella of musical journey, which transforms into an almost sacred like experience.

Andrey- Slumdog Millionaire

When watching Hannah's presentation, I couldn't help but to see the battle between the sacred and profane. I'm sure Hannah mentioned numerous things on the subject. What I noticed was that the main actress was constantly torn between two worlds, one being the sacred and pure life that she would live with the main actor of the movie, the other being the profane and destructive life she has been forced into. The movie uses a lot of symbolism to portray this; from the dark lighting when she is trying to escape her kidnappers to the bright lighting and positive presence of her love. The main actor does not see her as an object for his pleasure, but sees her for who she is truly.

Andrey- Bees

When watching the video on the behavior of bees, I couldn't really decide if their communication through dance was sacred or just a utility to gather nectar. Could it be both? The dance definitely has a meaning behind it, which is ultimately survival, so I guess that using dance as a means to stay alive makes that action in itself sacred. The dance seems to promote unity among the hive and focus the group on one central goal, which is what dance does. The bees, just as humans do, become one with the rhythm and consume themselves with each others' energy.

Andrey- Trinity

The trinity symbolizes the number three. In numerous different art outlets, odd numbers are favored, most often the number three. This applies to interior design, floral arrangements, etc. Is there a specific reason as to why the eye is drawn to this odd number? Just looking around the campus at CNU; the three geese on the statue between the library and Wingfield. Even further, the government has three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Why is the number three a reoccurring trend throughout the world? Does it lead back to the Trinity? does the number three represent harmony and peace that numbers such as two and four do not?

Andrey- Cave Paintings

Cave paintings date back tens of thousands of years. Some of the first artwork ever produced by man can be found here. Many images consist of sacred animals, or those that are not sought for hunting. Hunting scenes may also have been depicted. The act of depicting these scenes served as a prayer of a sort; the artists hoped for a successful hunt as well as other general blessings from the Gods. Representational imagery in caves is one of the most primitive forms of art. To this day, humans try to symbolize the sacred, or God, through art. This timeless representation of the "other" exemplifies the innate desire humans have for a supernatural presence within their lives. The complexities and hardships of life even dating back to the cavemen reflect a longing and fear of an all powerful entity that controls what humans cannot.

Andrey- The Virgin of Vladimir

The Virgin of Vladimir shows the virgin with her cheek touching that of the infant. It suggests the desire for a more intimate aspect of religion. This image, & those similar to it, were often stolen or destroyed because onlookers believed that the characters in the images did not look happy together. Regardless, this piece of artwork was supposed to protect the people in the city in which the painting resided. The protection came from the idea of this intimacy between the believer and Christ and his protection of his people. If the essence of a dispute in a sacred image is whether or not the individuals look happy, then the ultimate purpose of the image is being overlooked. The image loses its sacredness and quickly becomes a subject of critique on the art technique.

Andrey- Abbot Suger

Abbot Suger believed in the idea of “divine luminosity” noted earlier by a Greek philosopher. The idea essentially stated that light, specifically light that shined through stained glass windows in churches, was from God & had the power to purify individuals. Is this true? Could this idea parallel the action of baptism, where instead of light, water is used to purify individuals and symbolize a renewal? The use of earthly elements seems to be a common theme to symbolize sacredness.

Andrey- Christian Music: Emotion vs. God's Presence

Being a Christian and experiencing many different settings of worship, a question that repeatedly arises among me and my friends is: "Does emotional contemporary Christian music truly convey the experience of the Holy spirit or is it just a high experience." In other words, is much of the contemporary Christian music today truly worship the Lord or does it just offer an individual satisfaction? Churches such as The Wave in Virgina Beach make me wonder this. It has a very concert like feeling and puts a lot of emphasis on lighting, atmosphere, and performance. I'm not questioning that the music does bring many to Christ and makes Christianity appealing to the mainstream, but when does it lose the essence of worship to the lord instead of just attracting higher numbers in attendance.

Andrey- C.S. Lewis vs. Empire of the Sun

I wrote my final paper on the Empire of the Sun's music video "We Are the People" and argued its reflection on salvation. This reminded me of something that C.S. Lewis said that relates to my connection in the paper. C.S. Lewis said that everything in the world, no matter what it is, can be related back to Christ. I truly do understand that statement and agree with it. i only wish I remembered that and mentioned it in my paper.

Andrey- Christ: What did he look like?

For the longest time I have always thought what did Christ look like physically? Does it matter? Would my perception change of who he was and what he stands for? If he was the perfect man, as well as God, who would that perfection be displayed in him physically? Did people that saw him really ask those questions or judge him based on his appearance? Did his unconditional love for everyone and holy nature overshadow the question of his ethnicity or origin? Will science one day lead us to an accurate representation of his physical appearance? Are all the images of him throughout the world blasphemy towards God being all-knowing?

Andrey- Beauty in Nature

I believe that any natural beauty in nature is more sacred and shows God's authority more immensely than any sacred man-made piece of art such as a building or song. I believe anything God directly formed is holy and therefore more beautiful than man-made sacredness. Man's attempt to create a sacred experience through dance, drama, music, image, or building only mirrors what God created with more perfection and magnificence.

Andrey- Image Prohibition

Image prohibition is a compelling issue. The progression of where this subject stands today compared to yesterday is very opposing. In the past, representational imagery in the Christian church was used to explain the Gospel to the illiterate. Today, most contemporary churches do not have images present at all within their walls. People have first of all become much more educated and therefore may not need images to explain faith. In addition, this increased education and the progression of time has led to conflict over whether images accurately represent theology or whether the holy figures depict their real life counterparts accurately. I wonder if churches will continue to move away from the use of sacred images or will we see a resurgence of this?

Andrey- St. Basil's Cathedral

The presentation on St. Basil's Cathedral was very interesting. I was actually born in the former U.S.S.R and had no idea that the Cathedral was used for purposes other than worship. It was very ironic that the Russian government used the space for its own office and storage space at one point. It ties to Van der Leeuw's argument that "building," or architecture, can lose its sacredness and become a utility. In addition, the constant theme of the fight between the sacred and profane is exemplified in the history of the cathedral through its use of being a House of God to being exploited for man's benefit.

Andrey- Drum Circle

The drum circle was an interesting experience. I remember going into it that it was repeated to us that we should not worry about what we are playing or how we are playing it, but just do it. Despite that, I found myself really thinking about how I sounded and if I was in rhythm. So as the circle progressed I began to stop thinking about how everything flowed and if I was doing the right thing, and began to relax and just move my hands with the rhythm I heard as if I were by myself just playing the drums and really feeling the music and moment. I think when you can do that you tap into the sacred and really lose yourself in being one with the sound and experiencing the "other."

Andrey- Trance Music

I am a huge fan of trance music. I started listening to this genre of music in 2001 when I accidentally discovered it and got tired of mainstream radio hits. I found the music very attractive because it created a spiritual type of vibe that other types of music do not come close to. Trance music literally does what is says, it puts you into a trance, in the most positive sort of way. Today, though, the genre has grown more mainstream and has become less and less "trancey" to put it best. Trance artists from the past that use to consume people's minds and bodies with their euphoric melodies, breakdowns, soothing vocals, and hair raising bass lines have moved to more on the surface, catchy songs that do not have the same emotional and physical affect on people anymore. Trance music used to be a verb, but has now become an adjective.

Logan Shermeyer-Something Personal

This entry is a little more personal than others because I want to address my beliefs and discuss them.
In my past, I had a great relationship with God. I used to have so much faith and used to have a strong connection with God but as I grew up, that relationship slowly faded away. In my sophomore year of college, I took a Greek Mythology class and learned some things that truly changed the way I looked at Christianity. Since then, I have had no faith in God or Christianity and do not believe in God.
While this may be hard for some people to understand, I do consider myself a spiritual person in other respects. I do believe in the power of nature and love to connect with the outside world whenever I can. A lot of people do not think that this is a religious sort of connection, but nature is such a powerful thing and it can move people. It brings out a lot of emotions and makes me feel connected with the world.
Hope someone understands.

Logan Shermeyer-Does worship have to take place at church?

My mother has said on multiple occasions that although she is a Christian and believes in God, she does not believe that she must go to church in order to worship. I think that she brings up a unique perspective to worship and modern Christianity. She is a devoted Christian and prays from home whenever she is moved to do so. Faith is something that originates in individuals and as far as i'm concerned, I think that worship is something that should originate in the individual as well. Everyone can worship in their own way at any point in time and I don't think that one has to worship at church.

Logan Shermeyer-Beautiful Sound?

Van der Leeuw, p. 215-
"Primitive man knows that beautiful sound conveys all his feelings and thoughts more powerfully, more fully, and more exactly than does the individual word."

I brought this up in my presentation, but I do not believe that many people think hardcore music is "beautiful sound." But I think that it can be argued that man knows that music, whether considered beautiful by others or not, is a pure way to convey emotions and connect with a higher power. Lyrics in Christian hardcore music are definitely delivered in a way that displays pure emotion. While it is aggressive in nature, that aggression displays a ton of passion for what they are saying. To these musicians, their music is beautiful, because it connects them with God and they are able to express their devotion and feelings through it. I think that whether the public considers music beautiful or not, music is a great way for man to display emotions and connect with God.

Logan Shermeyer-Hardcore Music Presentation

After giving my presentation to the class on Christianity in hardcore music, I did a lot of thinking about what people said in class. Something that I want people to try if they ever get the opportunity to, is to attend a Christian hardcore show, especially if they have a strong connection with God. Like I said in my presentation, I understand that the delivery of the lyrics and the music can be harsh, but the concerts can be religious experiences in which people can be a part of a unique form of worship. The passion the artists have and their relationship with God is clearly seen at these concerts and they love to share their experiences with everyone. Give it a try!

Logan Shermeyer-Drum Circle Thoughts

The drum circle that our class was had, was definitely a first for me. I thought it was a unique way to get away from the norms of our society and to connect with nature. While I was skeptical at first about how effective the drum circle would be, I found it extremely interesting and I loved how I was able to connect with the natural elements that surrounded us. My only criticism of the drum circle is that we were not completely away from society. We encountered other people, many cars, and even a plane that decided to grace us with its presence. If there had been another way to get more away from society, I would have preferred that so I could have made an even better connection with nature.

Sacred Art exsperinced in Nature

To experience True Sacred Art one only needs to be receptive to the sentient life of plants and see that the Earth Goddess paints the world with the best paint brushes and uses only the best paints. Walking in a forest and knowing that not any one tree is the same as another. Each tree has its own identity, it is alive and aware of the world surrounding it. When you pass the tree by it feels your presence, your life essence and it cares for your life essence just as any Mother would HER oWn ChilD.

Sun sets over the River near the Lions Bridge will be something that i shall truly miss baring witness to. The vast array of colors and cloud formations creating a psychedelic spectacle in the sky. Memories of hanging our heads over the edge of the cliff upside down so we could still see the beauty of the Divine, and while laying there not but a few feet above our heads a Magnificent Great Blue Heron glides over head. Walks on the Noland Trail down subtly hidden paths promising adventure and freedom from the stresses of the world have always been my eye opener to the Sacred Web of the World which i am only a small strand of

With the end of college now an after thought instead of a future dream new paths shall open before me

If only i was a Tree,

Simply Peace and Serenity

-Frog

scientific method: then and now

“What was Francis Bacon’s conception of the scientific method and how does it differ from the methods of contemporary science?”

Francis Bacon created a scientific method to help explain natural phenomena. Bacon puts forth the idea that to determine a phenomenon the first step is to list all the things about the phenomenon that occur which surround the phenomenon as well as to create a list of things that do not occur. The next step is to rank the lists in accordance of how often the phenomenon occurs in each list. This should allow for one to infer which factors go with the occurrence of the phenomenon and which do not, in relation to the different lists. From this Bacon concludes that one should be able to reasonably assume by elimination and inductive reasoning what is the cause essential to the phenomenon. As stated in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the list of occurrences that surround the phenomenon in question were important to deducing that which caused the phenomenon to occur,
“Most important were his tables of degrees and of exclusion. They were needed for the discovery of causes, especially for supreme causes, which were called forms. The method of induction works in two stages: Learned experience from the known to the unknown has to be acquired, and the tables (of presence, absence, degrees) have to be set up before their interpretation can take place according to the principle of exclusion. After the three tables of the first presentation have been judged and analyzed, Bacon declares the First Vintage or the first version of the interpretation of nature to be concluded. The second phase of the method concentrates on the process of exclusion. The aim of this procedure is the reduction of the empirical character of experience, so that the analysis converges with an anatomy of things. Here, too, tables of presence and of absence are set up. The research work proper consists of finding the relationship of the two natures of qualities. Here exclusion functions as the process of determination. Bacon's method starts from material determination in order to establish the formal determination of real causes, but does not stop there, because it aims at the progressive generalization of causes. Here, again, the central element of the inductive method is the procedure of exclusion (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/francis-bacon/#5).”
Today the scientific method refers to different ways of investigating the phenomena in question. This either leads to attaining new knowledge or correcting what was once considered to be knowledge. The method used today is based off of observable, practical and measurable evidence that consists of the collection of data from observation from experiments that are attempting to prove or disprove a hypothesis.
The difference between these two methods is that Bacon does not conduct experiments to discover new knowledge. His method is based off of what knowledge is already known and then categorized into groups that have different relations to the phenomena in question. Bacon’s conclusion is the result of inductive reasoning and not that of empirical data from trails of experiments aimed at answering a particular question.

compare and contrast scriptural and an oral traditions

“What are the differences between a scriptural and an oral tradition?”

The first and most obvious answer to this question is that an oral tradition passes down their knowledge within the community from mouth to mouth. The knowledge of creation, the performance of scared rituals as well as sacred knowledge of the land and its uses has been passed down within the families of cultures that follow an oral tradition. However in a scriptural tradition, the knowledge of the past is recorded in books and available to those with an understanding of how to read.
Another difference in oral traditions and scriptural traditions is that the later is not as flexible. It is set in stone so to speak. Once the information has been written down it cannot be changed as easily to facilitate the change of the times and new ideas. This differs in comparison to oral traditions, as Mary Fisher points out that when she says,
“In most native cultures, spiritual life ways are shared orally. This characteristic helps to keep the indigenous sacred ways dynamic and flexible rather than fossilized. It also keeps the sacred experience fresh in the present. These oral accounts are often rich in symbols, metaphors, and humor which are not easily understood by outsiders but which are central to a peoples understanding of how life works (Fisher, p.34).”
The symbols and metaphors that are contained within an oral tradition generally develop with certain aspects pertaining to the geography of the area. For a tribe in the Amazon a certain mountain might be the birth place of a specific god. There would then be a story that encompassed the relationship of that god to that particular mountain. But to someone who is removed from the oral culture, the mountain is just a mountain and the story is only a story, not something which should be seriously considered as a reality.
Another difference between scriptural traditions and oral traditions is that for scriptural traditions once the information has been written down it can easily be replicated into another book. For oral traditions the stories must be memorized by individuals who are responsible for remembering the entirety of tribe’s myths, rituals and other sacred knowledge. To further the point, Mary Fisher says in her book,
“Because the traditions are oral rather than written, these people must memorize long and complex stories and songs so that the groups sacred traditions can be remembered and taught, generation after generation. The orally transmitted epics of the indigenous Ainu of Japan are up to 10,000 “lines” long. Chants of the Yoruba orisa comprise 256 “volumes” of 800 long verses each (Fisher. p,48).”
The lengthy material preserved by oral tradition shows great dedication of those responsible for passing down the knowledge from generation to generation. Whereas scriptural traditions allow for information to be preserved with much less effort than it down within an oral tradition.

Buddhism and Hinduism

“What are the major differences between Buddhism and Hinduism in ancient India?”

Discovering the major differences between Buddhism and Hinduism in ancient India is a difficult task because the former came out of the latter and as such both traditions share many structural similarities. In Hinduism there are literally millions of deities that can be worshiped. This is to reflect the idea that the divine has countless faces. On the other hand, in Buddhism there is no central deity for worship, it is more about attaining a higher self awareness and a dissolved ego through right action, right thinking and practices such as meditation.
Another major difference between Buddhism and Hinduism is reflected in their views of reincarnation and release from the life and death cycle. In Hinduism there was a caste system that separated the people into different levels which reflected their ability to achieve moksha, release from the cycle, depending on their status in practical and spiritual life. The ascension or decent of status from one life to the next was dependent on an individual’s karma. In the book, Experiencing the World’s Religions, written by Michael Molloy, he says,
“What determines the direction of one’s rebirth is karma…Good karma brings “higher” rebirth; bad karma brings rebirth in “lower,” more painful forms. In a certain way, this belief allows for upward mobility, since human beings, by their actions, have influenced over their future births. Ultimate freedom comes when karma ceases to operate; rebirth, whether upward or downward on the scale, has entirely ended (Molly, p.85).”
Whereas in Buddhism, there was no caste system that separated the people; release could be attained by anyone who followed the eight-fold path to its fullest. In the book, Living Religions by Mary Pat Fisher says that,
“The Buddha set forth a systematic approach by which dedicated humans could pull themselves out of suffering and achieve the final foal of liberation. The eight-fold Path offers ways to burn up all past demerits, avoid accumulating new demerits, and build up merit for a favorable rebirth. Perfection of the Path means final escape from the cycle of death and rebirth, into the peace of nirvana (Fisher, p.137).”
The Buddha also rejected the Vedas, which where a body of compiled texts, as being necessary tools for reaching salvation. For the Buddhist practitioner, salvation could be found by attaining a release from desires and material possessions. This differs from the Hindu traditions where the Vedas were regarded as sacred texts that provided guidelines for life and existence. Some Hindus even believed that the more a person read the texts, the closer they could become to reaching liberation. Also in Hindu practice, material possessions and personal desires do not prevent an individual from being released from the life cycle. As a result of this there would be more iconic representations of deities in a Hindu temple than there would be in a Buddhist temple.

Can you step into the same river twice ?

“What did Heraclitus mean by saying that you cannot step into the same river twice. What were some of the opposing positions among the Pre-Socratics? Discuss this question in terms of the one and the many, or the temporal and the eternal.”


Heraclitus believed in what he referred to as “the unity of the opposites” and that everything was in a constant “flux” or a flowing change. The ideas of Heraclitus were related to his notion that fire was the essence that made up everything. Fire itself is in a constant state of change, burning its fuel and transforming what was into something other. This can also be seen as an example of the one and the many. Fire was related to the divine essence of existence. It encompassed all life and yet was part of the many things that make up life. Examples of the unity of the opposites, such as living-dead, hot-cold and wet-dry show how all existence is the same.
“Pairs of opposites exemplify the unity of all things by standing in several different relationships to each other. First, they may be logically indistinguishable, as in “Beginning and end are ‘common’ on the circle.” Second, they may be in unvarying mutual succession: thus, day and night are one, because, in modern terms, they are “temporally continuous”…Lastly, one opposite may be a necessary condition for the perception of another… (Edwards, p.478).”
For the different pairs, one of them changes consistently and exclusively into the other without there being a definitive ending only a change from one to the other. The meaning behind the words, you cannot step into the same river twice, is that the river itself is not the same once you have stepped out of it. The water that flows is what makes a river a river. Without the flowing change of water there would be no river. If the flow were to stop it would be a pond, therefore stepping into the river at one moment and then stepping into the same place at a different moment is not stepping into the same river only the same place. The river itself as since changed and is no longer the same as what it once was. Heraclitus used rivers in analogous ways to help show his ideas and by, “…Heraclitus comparing all things to a river, meant that they all changed all the time; applied to natural objects, this means that even apparently stable things are changing, although total balance is always maintained…(Edwards, p.479).”
In opposition to Heraclitus views on the unity of the opposites, Aristotle claims that Heraclitus is denying the law of non-contradiction. Aristotle’s Principle of Non-Contradiction (PNC) claims that humans could not understand the world around them if they were not bound by the principle of non-contradiction. Aristotle said, “It is impossible for the same thing to belong and not to belong at the same time to the same thing and in the same respect (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-noncontradiction/#1).”

Lindsey Gilroy-Hallelujah

Within the text, Van der Leeuw describes music as a servant to dance or theater, and through the Roman Catholic Church it shoud serve some sort of function rather of worship rather than just entertainment. He discusses the need to keep helm of liturgical unity by placing the choir near the center of worship. The words that are song in places of worship are often rhythmic extensions of prayer or poetry, done in a repetitive manner. An example of this repetition can be seen in the song “Hallelujah”. The word itself means to express thanks or gratitude to God. "The repetition of a particular exclamation gives force to an incantation" (Van der Leeuw 221). As Van derLeeuw mentions on pg. 220, the music that we have today derives from the music of church and worship; therefore, I have included a modern music video and lyrical depiction of the text.

I've heard there was a secret chord

That David played, and it pleased the Lord

But you don't really care for music, do you?

It goes like this

The fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof

You saw her bathing on the roof

Her beauty

in the moonlight

overthrew you

She tied you

To a kitchen chair

She broke your throne,

she cut your hair

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Maybe I've been here before

I know this room, I've walked this floor

I used to live alone before I knew you

I've seen your flag on the marble arch

love is not a victory march

It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you'd let me know

What's real and going on below

But now you never show it to me do you?

Remember when I moved in you?

The holy dark was moving too

And every breath we drew was hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Maybe there's a God above

And all I ever learned from love

Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you

It's not a cry you can hear at night

It's not somebody who's seen the light

It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

(See video here)

Lindsey Gilroy-Drum Circle and Dance

(In reference to dance) "It is an expression of all the emotions of the spirit, from the lowest to the highest."

-Van der Leeuw 12

During the class where we had a drum circle I saw Van der Leeuw's words come in to play. The initial instructions were simple, we were told to not speak, stand and stay in a circle, and make noise, with minimal instruction as to how this noise should be created. When Van der Leeuw writes, "[man] can produce for himself the rhythm which induces the body to dance it is marked out by the stamping of feet and clapping of hands" (Van der Leeuw 12-13) I was instantly reminded of the structured in which the drum circle was performed. Using ourselves as instruments, beginning with the simple harmonious "heartbeats" signifying the basis for our very creation, we eventually proceeded to expressing ourselves freely through sound and allowed for our hands to create beats on the "instruments" that we had chosen.

It was an interesting class and although I was hesitant at first, I like the idea of becoming one with nature in order to reconnect with the world around you.

Lindsey Gilroy-The Prohibition of Images

After spending much of the semester focusing on Van der Leeuw's text, as I went back through the sections I realized I had neglected to cover the section on the prohibition of images. Upon its commencement, the section of the text explains that people have grown to be victims of the "modern" mind, the mind which has grown with technology and the practicing that have adopted their techniques to adhere to the art changes. I could see how initially there was a problem with attempting to reproduce the holy, which is how the art was deemed harmful and thus prohibited. However, can you imagine a world where the art was prohibited Art has developed into a form that allows for not only people to express themselves but for the viewer to find a commonality between their thoughts and the artists depictions; it creates a sense of understanding between human thought.

“The image of God has here become a voice; pictorial art dissolves into words and then into music. And music is preserved longer in worship than is graphic art.”
-(Van der Leeuw 179)

As Van der Leeuw writes the above text I would have to agree that the spoken word may leave its impression on the public longer than the pictorial because it is passed through individuals through speech, instead of passing the tangible art from person to person. What I took from this section of the reading is that there is neither a worthy art form or artist who can decipher the power of God’s grace, therefore, there should be no attempt because it will constantly fall short.

Amanda DeSalme-Chocolat

Joanne Harris' book "Chocolat" is a charming read. It is about a mother and daughter (Vianne Rocher and Anouk) who move around a lot, opening up chocolate shops and changing cities wherever they go. This story takes place in a tiny French village called Lansquenet. They are not the typical family you would find in Lansquenet. They don't go to church and they don't dress as conservatively as anyone else and there is no man in their family structure. They make delicious chocolate. In this novel, the priest of the village, Reynaud, decides that they are evil, tempting the villagers to overindulge during lent. A lot goes on in the story, but eventually, Reynaud gives in and indulges in the sweet chocolates of their shop as well. And the people realize that eating chocolate is not a sin. Pleasure is not a sin. They realize that they need to be inclusive in their religious practices, not exclusive. It is quite a touching novel (which was made into a movie) and has a great spiritual message. There is also a sequel to the novel, first published under the title "the Girl with No Shadow," and later under the title "Lollipop Shoes." This goes into some pagan forms of spiritual practice, and is quite an interesting story as Anouk starts to grow up and experiment with her "witch" powers. Sometimes a good story is a great way to get a holy message out there.

P.S. where did all the posts on this blog go??? I know, this post is late, but...where did they all go??

kelsey- music

When we did presentations, someone I dont remember who, did one on music. One of the first things that hit me was how incredibly intricate music composition is! This type of music was compositions used in churches, like mass as was incredibly beautiful. It definitely reminded me of how powerful of an effect music can have on our mood and emotions. Like at the end of a movie when the perfect song plays during the credits that just captures the emotions of the film, I feel like sometimes that the feeling I get when music like that plays in church.

kelsey- art and clothes

If art is a way of interacting with god since it shows that which comes form Him, can in some similar way clothes make it possible to connect with the person wearing them/put them together? When people put outfits together they are creating an identity and artistic demonstration of who they are. People who see them, I feel , can interact with them in the sense that they might be able understand them even from a distance. They also might be able to form a connection to them through merely the interaction or similar or corresponding presentations. If you like they way someone dresses or presents themselves and they like the way you present yourself, then wordless connection can be made through this form of self presentation

kelsey - hindu art

Hindu use of art as an integral aspect of their religion especially the creation of their temples. They set up the plot where the temple is going to be in an artistic way to insure a pleasing view when the temple is build. They also incorporate art not only into the structure of the building but include it in its adornment. I think its awesome that so much importance is place on the interaction of art and religion that there is so much preparation spent in making sure everything is done properly. I wonder what it would be like to incorporate art so much into my life and religion. I would think that it might be difficult possibly though to not become over stimulated by so much art that one becomes numb to the experience so that they no longer hold importance.

kelsey- icons

When I was writing my paper on icons I came across some information that explained how there are restrictions and regulations on the creation of icons that include particular ways of mixing or not mixing of colors. I thought that was interesting and noticed that there was a lot of meanings and planning in those rules. I had mixed feelings on them though because I felt that to a certain extent the restrictions seem unnecessary and over regulating. With a more free approach there would be a better flow of the spirit of the art itself in the experience that would allow for multiple interpretations or possibly a more free flowing spirit throughout. With greater diversity in art, there could be an interesting effect in which particular pieces of art would speak to particular people.

kelsey - gods love

When I make something , for instance a vase in my glass blowing class, I have a special connection with my creation that I reminds me of the relationship we have with God. While the relationship is not interactive there are still many similarities. I for instance, know the effort, every move, and action taken in the proess of forming the product. This gives me an attachment to the piece because Not only do I know everything about it, but to me its not just blue, its royal blue with a mix of white specks, and its not just round I know that there is a small lump on the bottom left side. I feel in the same way god knows us inside and out, he know every minute detail as well the things we have been though and how we were made down to the smallest detail. No one else in the world know us like he does just in the same way no one else in the world knows my glass creations like I do and no one can appreciate and love them the way I do either.

kelsey - art participation

If art offers a look in to the holy and helps us see God then can art be considered a form of worship? Or possibly is it more enlightening to make art instead of just viewing it? Van der Leeuw claims that art is made to be interacted with and I think that creating it would be the ultimate form of interaction. When I draw or create forms of art I feel that it is in some way an act of worship. My participation in the experience of crating art as well as my experience interacting with the forms and image seems to be to be a closer more personal interaction than viewing the art.

kelsey - nature and art

Since God made creation , I believe it is possible to see him through his handiwork, and therefore, even non believers or people who do not know god can still experience him and see him in it. Does this apply to art too? IN the sense that it is possible to learn something you have never heard of or experienced before through a wordless interaction? I know this sounds like what we talk about in class but i think there is a big distinction to seeing and understanding things we have knowledge of verse things completely out of our realms. I kind of feel like it might be possible -the same way C. S. Lewis saw the beauty in his lid garden more so than the real one for example makes me think that it is possible. But, I also think that creation was made directly by god and therefore should be more powerful in demonstrating himself to others. Art, being indirectly made by god, in a sense, made by people with Gods ideas, seems like it would be less awe inspiring.

kelsey - language praying

One day in class we talked about how even though we have a verbal language it is visually based in that when we pictures words we picture them as they would be written…with spaces and punctuation. I never realized this before, but to some extent I think it is kinda of sad. I feel that our thoughts, especially in relation to language, are limited somehow. Is it possible to think or pray without words? I often try to pray in my head with out words and its really hard. I cant help but wonder if it is actually really possible at all. Sometimes I just emotion (used as a verb) to God but im still not sure If Its just my imagination that im doing this or if I only think I am. Ill keep trying.

kelsey - symbols

An interesting quote form class I wrote down is: “symbols function as a surveyor’s staff or guide for becoming oneself. I thought that this was interesting that it fit in so well with some of the stuff I have learned in my communications classes. Just as there is the relationship with the self and the other, there is the relationship with the self and the society. In Communications symbols serve the same purpose as a means for creating a mutually understood language that conveys meanings. In religion and art we see it in the way, let take a painter for instance, uses symbols and puts them together in a wy that creates meanings. These meanings help us see beyond the art into the holy other which lies beyond it. In the same way language is made up of symbols, understood meanings given to objects and ideas that we put together in such a way as to construct meanings that we use to relate to other or society as a whole. But most interesting, is not that symbols help us communicate to theres, but through the shared meanings we have created, but the way we relate all these symbols to ourselves and use them personally which helps us create who we are.

kelsey - Lewis and books

One thing that struck me from class the other day was something Professor Redick quoted from C.S. Lewis. I dont remember the exact quote but it was in regards to metaphorical parallel to the story of salvation in the Lion Which and the Wardrobe. It generally went: We dont need to try to create metaphors for Christ and salvation because since it is the basis for all things portrayals of it will come naturally. First of all I thought it was crazy that the book was such a perfect metaphor with out even trying because it just seemed to be filled with that intent. At the same time though, It makes complete sense because in the same way that an author is reflected in his work, god is reflected in his - and his work is the creation of this world and everything in it. In that sense all interactions and object will reflect and contain pieces of himself. This might be a stretch but the idea of god as an author iv also heard used to describe the trinity. God the father is the author, writing the story and creating it. God the son is the main character in the story. As God portrays himself in literary form the character contains all aspects of God, his personality and characteristics, and thinks in the same way. At the same time though, because it is a character in a book He will assume the qualities of other characters in the story as well. And lastly there is god the spirit, which is the personality and soul of God which flows through out his work. In the same way some part of an artist is in all his art, God is in all the things in his story. There is no way that an artist can create something that has no part of him or nothing of himself in it or an author can not help basing a book off their own experiences and mindset because thats who they are and what they know. God is not limited like this but his art still cant help but convey its creator.

kelsey -architecture and cash registers

A couple posts ago I talked about the cool architecture of the Japanese gates and the French church, and I wanted o revsit the idea of architecture again as a whole. I had mentioned that I normally dont see architecture as a means of seeing or Experiencing God, but i realized that this definitely changed when I went to Europe. When I was in Europe, the architecture seemed so intricate and beautiful I could get a better glimpse of how it was an art form that portrayed God. When I was in Italy, I actually started to enjoy looking at buildings and seeing how beautiful they were. Architecture has gone down hill I think because I feel that it, at least where I live, has just become something that serves a functional purpose and lacks any inspiration. I was just talking to my friend the other day about a similar instance, but about a cash register. It might sound insignificance, but in a commercial for a movie based in a Victorian time period, there was a cash register pictured that was very ornate and beautiful. A lot of artifacts from that time or previous times in general very ornate and beautiful even just brushes or letter openers. But today, like with buildings we just make things for a use and don't want to spend the time or money on or even care on making them look good too. Why cant everything be a piece of art that conveys the beauty and presence of God? Instead its all cheap ad convenient with a complete lack of concern for its aesthetic quality.

kelsey - my favorite class ever

The drum circle we participated in a couple weeks ago was my favorite class of almost all of school. I really like how there was a direct intent to lose your own thoughts and concerns and to feel the music and the beats and participate with it as well as the other people who were interacting in the event. Much like dance, music has a very surreal power that just seems to go past your head and thoughts and interact with your soul. I think that van der Leeuw was right to put music as the interaction with the spirit of God because it less of a depiction and lesson and more of a feeling and bond. Although I thought it was interesting that dance was considered more of a drama in his book. While that makes sense in that much like drama dance acts out patters and events and ideas from life and conveys them in an abstract manner, I still feel that unlike drama, and more like music...maybe because it involves music, dance also had the property of being able to lack structure and be a free flowing movement.

kelsey - dance

One of my favorite forms of art in dance. I really wish I could dance, because when you watch someone dance it really conveys emotion and meanings in ways that it hard to describe but you can feel non the less. And I can only imagine that if it feels that way to watch a really good dance, it must be a really powerful feeling to actually be able to dance it. Something about the movement of you body in the rhythm of something outside of it...releasing your control to interact with it...has an almost humbling yet overpowering effect. One of my favorite things about art is alot of times it serve no other purpose than to draw out or convey emotion or meaning or simple praise. Especially art used in the worship of god, it is so moving to see something with no other purpose than pure worship. I think that is one of the things that makes art such a powerful display of God and life.

kelsey - Japanese doorways

I cant remember now who presentation it was, but the one about the Japanese doorways was really interesting to me. At first it seemed strange, but then I really started to think it was a cool creative idea. Its funny how something so simple and seemingly so un-complex can have so much meanings and history behind it. I really like the idea of interactive art that engages you in its meaning. I especially loved the one that looks as if its just floating out on the water. Not only is it simply a visually interesting piece, but it makes you stop for a second and make you think about about it and it intrigues your mind. I also never thought of architecture as having religious meanings before, which is something that iv learned from this class. While the piece has obvious meanings, in general i normally don't look at buildings and think about how they might be communicating something about life and God.

Kelsey- Lindsay's presentation

I really enjoyed Lindsay's presentation on the church in France. I cant remember the name of it now but when i was in paris last week and went to the eiffel tower i kept thinking about her comparison between the two. Its really cool to see an accidental (i think it was an accident) metaphor between the juxtaposition between the two buildings. Both close in height and two of the tallest things but one made by man, almost saluting his power and progress, while the other the house of God. Not tall on its own but made tall by the God made hill sitting underneath it. Kind of like how we think we can do things on our own and tend to try to make ourselves tall if you will. But christians aren't concerned with being prominent or successful but are made so by God and on the end their success is glorifying to Him. Just like the Church might not be tall or very prominent, but through God it is made to have a great view and be something that stands out. And just life christians they do so in a way that points the Lord- giving glory back to god.

The Loreto

The Loreto
Lauren Brooks
The other day Brooklyn and I ventured out on our own to examine this church and famous pilgrimage site. It was by far one of the weirdest and most interesting places I have been to so far in Prague. Looking at it afterwards it still feels like a very mysterious place. I don’t know where to begin. The Loreto is an Italian term and means the house where the annunciation of Jesus took place, it originated in Italy and when Christianity spread throughout Eastern Europe many replicas of these houses were built to help sway people to the Christian faith. All throughout Eastern Bohemia these churches sprang up and were very important in pilgrimages of the faith. It is connected with the Capuchin Order of Monks who still care for the chapel. It is widely by tourists for 2 main reasons, the immense collection of expensive jewels and the carillon bells.
Brooklyn and I had the chance to experience this amazing place and by far the most interesting exhibit were the immense and expensive jewels they had. The most expensive piece they had is called the Diamond Monstrance which features over 6,000 diamonds. This piece is only used on very very special occasions; the last time it was used was 1999 for a pilgrim celebration, over 300 years after it had been made. This room was literally blinding with the amount of jewels that these cups, altar pieces and crucifixes contained.
While I appreciate the splendor and the praise that these pieces of art were made for I also wonder where the line between worship and over-indulgence concerned in art is. The “gaudiness” of some of these pieces I really question? Couldn’t we hawk a bunch of these goblets, chalices, and altarpieces and feed like a third world country or half of Africa. I mean why do we need all this ornamentation, I don’t picture God as the kind of person who would want that gaudy chalice or altar piece, I think his focus would be on feeding the hungry, I mean isn’t that what our focus should be in being “like Christ”? Just something to think about the next time your church wants a new stain glassed window…

St. Cyril and St Methodius

St. Cyril and St Methodius
Lauren Brooks
On Saturday I visited an amazing church in Prague. This church has witnessed the occupation of 2 different countries and still stands today. The paratroopers who assassinated Rienhart Heidrich hid out in this church crypt until they finally committed suicide rather than be taken by the Germans. These five men faced over 800 German troops and multiple attempts to be captured and were national heroes in the face of the Germans. Unfortunately, with the death of such an important man in Hitler’s regime retaliation was necessary and the town of Lidice was flattened to the ground. I find it so hard to believe of all the sacred places in Europe that were destroyed in the name of War. I think it’s so poignant that the troops sought refugee in a church. I mean that is what the actual building of a church is supposed to be; a place where people come when they need help, guidance, and support. It’s hard to see so many of these historically rich buildings, pieces of art, and so much more that was destroyed because of hate and violence.
I am so amazed everyday at the amount of history that the Czech Republic is involved with and America has no idea! It doesn’t seem fair that many times America was so close to being able to help and unfortunately the Russians came and ruined everything. Learning all of this new information has made me want to continue being informed with European issues and even begin to look into different political, social, and economic news.