Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Should Pastors Make Political Endorsements
This is an election year. This year, as every election year, will determine the President of the USA and the direction our country will be heading. Should a pastor, should I, be political? Should a pastor make a political endorsement of certain candidates?
This year on Oct. 7th several hundred pastors are going to make a political endorsement from the pulpit of their church in defiance of the IRS code that specifically forbids non-profit organizations from making a political endorsement(read here). The supposed penalty for making that political statement will be a loss of non-profit status. This means that contributions made will not be tax-deductible for those making the contribution.
I think this is wrong. Even if it is allowed and was legal, I don’t think a pastor should go so far as to endorse particular candidates.
I think this is an issue of wisdom and priorities. Let me break this down into a few different lines of thought: offense of the gospel, Biblical issues inform political ones, and shepherding people from all parties.
#1 The offense of the gospel.
A pastor and church should never shy away from the offense of the gospel. The gospel will offend. That is a non-negotiable. But, we must be careful not to offend with things that are optional. My making an endorsement of one political candidate or party, we run the risk of offending those people who are for the other guy or other party. A pastor needs to make sure that the gospel is the first priority, not an election. The good news of Jesus is the primary proclamation that should come from the pulpit of a pastor. Everything a pastor chooses to say is also excluding something else he could be saying. To be overly political runs the risk of lessening the gospel of Jesus Christ.
#2 Biblical issue inform political ones
Don’t get ahead of me yet. While I think it is unwise of a pastor to endorse a particular political party or candidate from the pulpit this does not mean that he should not address issues and values. A pastor absolutely has a responsibility to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God. The Bible gives believers many mandates that are relevant to modern social issues. A pastor should never shy away from faithful proclamation of the Biblical view of these social positions.
For example, it is critical necessary for a pastor to preach sound Biblical messages on the horror that is abortion. The Bible is unequivocal on this issue. We can’t let politics hijack our courage from preaching the Biblical truth that abortion is wrong. Obviously, that Biblical position should be used by the wise Christian to guide us in who to vote for.
I think the wise course of action would be for a pastor to defend the sanctity of life without saying, “Don’t vote for Obama, you must vote for Romney.” Preach the Biblical truth unashamedly, but don’t mandate a particular vote. This is true for other important issues of the day that are addressed by scripture: the sin of homosexuality and same-sex marriage, the sin of abortion, and many others.
#3 Shepherding All
The pastor must shepherd, minister, and teach all different types of sheep and church members. Some are more mature in their faith, some are not. Some are from one political party, some from another, some from no party affiliation at all. The church is not an arm of the Republican National Convention. It is the body of Christ. As a pastor I lessen my leadership ability by being overly political from the pulpit. Teach the Biblical issues and lead the people no matter what party that they might prefer. It is my opinion that this philosophy is the wisest course for a pastor.
I do not think that this means a pastor cannot have a personal opinion. He does, and he does have a vote. I will not endorse a candidate from the pulpit, but if it comes up on a personal level I have no problem voicing my political opinions.
The Jesus' Wife Fragment, or Watch Out For All The Manure
Watch Out For All The Manure
The Lost Art of Truth Detection
The Jesus' Wife Fragment
(The true scholars have weighed in. If you haven’t heard the headline, a Harvard professor has discovered and published a report on a papyri fragment that mentions Jesus had a wife.
If you want the scholarly rebuttal, read the always venerable Dr. Al Mohler.)
Here is my take:
Reason, rationale, logic, common sense…does anyone remember these things anymore? People have forgotten the importance of critical thinking skills. Even the back-wood-country-boys use logic and reason; they just call it something different… “good sense”. (among other more colorful descriptions).
Critical thinking is even more important in an information age. We are bombarded with information like never before. This makes it more necessary to employ critical thinking and reasoning than ever before. And yet, it seems, the opposite has occurred. While more and more information is spewed less and less reason is applied to evaluating that information.
Do you need some examples? How about POLITICS? I don’t care which side you are on, political information is in desperate need of a critical thinking filter.
Another example, the recent discovery of the “Jesus’ Wife Fragment”. Karen King, a liberal Harvard Divinity professor, supposedly found a fragment that mentions Jesus’ wife.
Since the news broke, serious scholars have weighed in to debunk this bit of fiction reported as fact. It seems Karen had an agenda, the fragment is from over 300 years after Christ, and it is the size of a worn out business card.
But it doesn’t take a scholar to recognize something as bogus. Let’s apply some simple country good sense to our information filters. If it smells like cow manure, looks like cow manure, it is probably cow manure. It doesn’t matter how it is packaged or described, it’s still cow manure.
We have a biblical mandate to employ the brain that our Creator has given us. There is another good biblical word for this: wisdom. We must use wisdom as a filter for the information that is ever flowing from all types of sources.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Fred Luter - First Black President of Southern Baptist Convention
I was in New Orleans for a historic moment. The Southern Baptist Convention elected the first African-American to serve as president of the convention. It was an incredible moment. I stood with the close to 8,000 other messengers in an ovation to the election of Dr. Fred Luter.
The Southern Baptist Convention was formed in 1845 as a reaction to the anti-slavery sentiments being expressed in relation to missionaries and churches. For decades the SBC was associated with slavery, and racism. Attitudes of racism would continue for a long time among many in SBC churches, especially in the south.(In some backwoods, rural churches it unforun
ately still exists).
In the 1990's the Convention took a long overdue step -- a public acknowledgement of sinfulness, and a profession of repentance to God.
Since that time, diversity among Southern Baptist Churches has grown in leaps and bounds. Repentance is something that must be lived out and demonstrated over time.
The election of Dr. Fred Luter was a historic moment. It serves to demonstrate the reality of repentance. It serves to demonstrate actual faithfulness to God's Word. It shows that the convention has prioritized scripture and our common focus on the gospel and missions.
By the way, in my opinion, this was not simply electing Dr. Luter because he was black. He is extremely qualified. He has faithfully pastored Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans. He has been there through Katrina, suffered with his people, and continued to hold fast to God's word. He has seen the Lord rebuild his church - physically and spiritually. He is a faithful family man, husband, father, and servant of Christ.
I am thankful to God and proud of the president of the Southern Baptist Convention.
For more info read Denny Burke's blog
Sunday, May 20, 2012
How To Treat Gay People
This one should be real easy. This isn't a difficult topic when it comes to scripture. The way a Christian should relate to and treat someone who is homosexual isn't that difficult to understand. Unfortunately, way too many "Christians" have acted in the exact opposite way the scriptures clearly mandate. Maybe they aren't real Christians? They clearly aren't following Christ's example.
Jesus never condoned sin. He pointed it out in people's lives and called them to turn away from their sin. He was also loving. And there it is. It's that simple to understand.
There is no biblical justification for a supposed Christian to hate or mistreat anyone, including someone who is homosexual. Calling a homosexual derogatory names, teasing them, or physically assaulting them is a sin. But, it goes beyond that. It is also a sin to ignore and avoid someone because you don't like their sin.
Some people make the claim that to even call homosexuality a sin is hateful. But, that does not have to be the case. Jesus never shied away from pointing out sin. As followers of what the Bible teaches, a Christ follower should not shy away from the scriptural truth that lying is a sin, that adultery is a sin, that pornography is a sin, that greed is a sin, that gluttony is a sin, and that homosexuality is a sin. But, our goal is not just to point out sin, it is to lead sinners to the grace of God. We are sinners too. I may not have the sin of homosexuality, but that doesn't mean I am free of sin. I am no better than anyone else. Just because I don't have your particular list of sins, doesn't meant that I don't have my own list of sins. Sinners need know two things: that they are sinners, and that their is a Savior.
People who struggle with homosexuality need Christ. If we have Christ we need to lovingly share the gospel with them. That is the teaching and model we have in scripture.
Jesus never condoned sin. He pointed it out in people's lives and called them to turn away from their sin. He was also loving. And there it is. It's that simple to understand.
There is no biblical justification for a supposed Christian to hate or mistreat anyone, including someone who is homosexual. Calling a homosexual derogatory names, teasing them, or physically assaulting them is a sin. But, it goes beyond that. It is also a sin to ignore and avoid someone because you don't like their sin.
Some people make the claim that to even call homosexuality a sin is hateful. But, that does not have to be the case. Jesus never shied away from pointing out sin. As followers of what the Bible teaches, a Christ follower should not shy away from the scriptural truth that lying is a sin, that adultery is a sin, that pornography is a sin, that greed is a sin, that gluttony is a sin, and that homosexuality is a sin. But, our goal is not just to point out sin, it is to lead sinners to the grace of God. We are sinners too. I may not have the sin of homosexuality, but that doesn't mean I am free of sin. I am no better than anyone else. Just because I don't have your particular list of sins, doesn't meant that I don't have my own list of sins. Sinners need know two things: that they are sinners, and that their is a Savior.
People who struggle with homosexuality need Christ. If we have Christ we need to lovingly share the gospel with them. That is the teaching and model we have in scripture.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Bible and Homosexuality
In-between seminary and my first pastorate I worked a couple of jobs in the secular-corporate world. One time I was working at an event with a co-worker. He knew I was a Christian and going to be a pastor. We were talking about things and he asked me what denomination I was. I told him I was a baptist. His next statement to me floored me, "Baptist, that means that you have to hate gay people."
I spent the next 10 minutes explaining to him that his perception of me was wrong. I explained to him that I have a biblical mandate, and Christ-like example to love all people. I tried to explain that while many so called Christians had "hated gay people" that is not what our faith teaches. I was also clear that the Bible clearly states that homosexual behavior is a sin. This conversation also gave me the opportunity to share the gospel with him.
There are many threads that I could chase from that incident, but I just want to address what the scriptures plainly teach about homosexuality.
This issue has gotten a lot of attention lately as President Obama publicly announced that he was in favor of gay marriages(see here). President Obama even went so far as to claim that his Christian faith led him to that decision. The problem with that is the Christians scriptures, the Bible, do not support that conclusion.
There are many advocates of homosexual rights that want the scriptures to say something other than what they clearly do. Do not be fooled by their slight of hand, and hermeneutical gymnastics. There are some issues in scripture that are a bit unclear, homosexuality is not one of them.
Here is a brief summary of some of the relevant passages of scripture that deal with homosexuality.
Genesis 2:24
In the creation, before the fall, God commends marriage as one man and one woman.
Genesis 19 – Sodom and Gomorrah
There is a lot going on in this passage, but clearly the crowds lust for homosexual experience is condemned.
Leviticus 18:22
It is an abomination
Leviticus 20:13
It is detestable
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Long list of sins that that cause people not to inherit the kingdom of God; including homosexuality
Romans 1:26-28
The condemnation of unnatural acts of homosexuality
Matthew 19:5
Jesus quotes Genesis 2:24 as the normative design of God for marriage
Commends one man and one woman
Eliminates no fault divorce
Eliminates same sex marriage
Eliminates any other deviant union
Summary
The Bible does not equivocate on the issue of homosexuality. The Bible, both the OT and NT, classify homosexuality as a sin. This alone is enough to assert that the Bible condemns homosexuality and, therefore, does not condone same sex marriage.
The case cannot be made from the Bible that scripture allows acceptance of homosexuality as anything other than a sin. In order to get around this, one would have to make an argument against the scripture, since the argument cannot be made for homosexuality. Some have done this very thing. In order to accept homosexuality, some say that the Bible is not to be taken literally, or that there are errors in the Bible, or that the Bible is antiquated and must be interpreted based on modern morality. All of those arguments can be made. What cannot be reasonably stated is that the Bible says that homosexuality is not a sin. That is clearly what the Bible says.
Some other good articles can be found at the following links:
Christian Research Institute
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry
I spent the next 10 minutes explaining to him that his perception of me was wrong. I explained to him that I have a biblical mandate, and Christ-like example to love all people. I tried to explain that while many so called Christians had "hated gay people" that is not what our faith teaches. I was also clear that the Bible clearly states that homosexual behavior is a sin. This conversation also gave me the opportunity to share the gospel with him.
There are many threads that I could chase from that incident, but I just want to address what the scriptures plainly teach about homosexuality.
This issue has gotten a lot of attention lately as President Obama publicly announced that he was in favor of gay marriages(see here). President Obama even went so far as to claim that his Christian faith led him to that decision. The problem with that is the Christians scriptures, the Bible, do not support that conclusion.
There are many advocates of homosexual rights that want the scriptures to say something other than what they clearly do. Do not be fooled by their slight of hand, and hermeneutical gymnastics. There are some issues in scripture that are a bit unclear, homosexuality is not one of them.
Here is a brief summary of some of the relevant passages of scripture that deal with homosexuality.
Genesis 2:24
In the creation, before the fall, God commends marriage as one man and one woman.
Genesis 19 – Sodom and Gomorrah
There is a lot going on in this passage, but clearly the crowds lust for homosexual experience is condemned.
Leviticus 18:22
It is an abomination
Leviticus 20:13
It is detestable
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Long list of sins that that cause people not to inherit the kingdom of God; including homosexuality
Romans 1:26-28
The condemnation of unnatural acts of homosexuality
Matthew 19:5
Jesus quotes Genesis 2:24 as the normative design of God for marriage
Commends one man and one woman
Eliminates no fault divorce
Eliminates same sex marriage
Eliminates any other deviant union
Summary
The Bible does not equivocate on the issue of homosexuality. The Bible, both the OT and NT, classify homosexuality as a sin. This alone is enough to assert that the Bible condemns homosexuality and, therefore, does not condone same sex marriage.
The case cannot be made from the Bible that scripture allows acceptance of homosexuality as anything other than a sin. In order to get around this, one would have to make an argument against the scripture, since the argument cannot be made for homosexuality. Some have done this very thing. In order to accept homosexuality, some say that the Bible is not to be taken literally, or that there are errors in the Bible, or that the Bible is antiquated and must be interpreted based on modern morality. All of those arguments can be made. What cannot be reasonably stated is that the Bible says that homosexuality is not a sin. That is clearly what the Bible says.
Some other good articles can be found at the following links:
Christian Research Institute
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry
Monday, March 5, 2012
Bible Tattoos
I have to admit, I am fascinated by tattoos. I don't have one, and don't want one. I am too old and too skinny to have a tattoo that would look good. Plus, I don't want anything that permanent. But, I am intrigued by others that have tattoos, especially one category of tatts--- Bible verses.
I also like to watch mixed martial arts. One of the best young stars is the 24 year old light heavy weight champion, Jon "Bones" Jones. This guy is the real deal. He has the entire range of skill sets necessary to be the champion he is. He can box, jiu jitsu, muay thai, wrestling, he is quick, and athletic. He is one of the youngest champions ever. He also claims to be a Christian. It is hard to judge someone just from watching on television, but from what I've seen and read, he seems to be genuine in his faith.
He also has a tattoo. In a flowing script, across the right portion of his chest is tattooed "Philippians 4:13".
When you look up the Bible reference it reads, "I can do all things through Him (Christ) who gives me strength."
Let's evaluate that verse in it's context. Paul is writing to the Philippian believers. In chapter 4 Paul acknowledges that the Philippian believers had expressed concern about Paul's physical needs. The Philippians had entered into a partnership with Paul as he went about his missionary journeys for the sake of the gospel. Paul is glad that they have expressed this concern about his financial well being. But, Paul also wants them to understand that there are more important things than finances. Paul goes on to say how he has learned the secret of being content in Christ. He is satisfied with Jesus, whether he has an abundance of provision, or whether he does not have an abundance. It is in this context that Paul writes verse 13, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." So, the application of this verse is in the context of contentment. Paul is saying that he can be content in Christ no matter the situation because the Lord is always His strength.
Jon "Bones" Jones is not reflecting that context on his tattoo. Jones seems to be advocating, "I can do all things...I can fight and win and beat all of my opponents because of Jesus in my life." Wait a second...maybe my analysis is wrong. Maybe that is exactly what Paul was thinking when he wrote that verse. Maybe Paul had been schooled in mixed martial arts and was touring the world taking on all comers. Maybe Paul did write that verse because when he faces a fight Jesus helps him win. No, no--that's no it at all.
It makes me laugh!! Jon Jones has a permanent tattoo on his chest that doesn't mean what he thinks it does. Admittedly, I am making an assumption about Jones here. Maybe he does understand the context and the tattoo is his reflection on being content in Christ, but I don't think so. I am making a guess that he thinks it relates to his fighting. It's like he has a permanent statement saying, "I'm stupid and don't really know what the Bible says -- but I still love Jesus." I don't mean that in a mean spirited way, it's just funny. I applaud Jon for trying to live out his faith and honor the Lord. I wish him the best. I am a fan of his, and root for him to win. I just think that after his jiu jitsu lesson, he needs some lessons in how to read and study the Bible. By the way, he is not the only one who gets Philippians 4:13 wrong.
The lesson -- if you are going to put a permanent tattoo on your body, and it's a bible verse, please make sure you get the context and meaning right. If not, send me a pic, I like a good laugh.
I also like to watch mixed martial arts. One of the best young stars is the 24 year old light heavy weight champion, Jon "Bones" Jones. This guy is the real deal. He has the entire range of skill sets necessary to be the champion he is. He can box, jiu jitsu, muay thai, wrestling, he is quick, and athletic. He is one of the youngest champions ever. He also claims to be a Christian. It is hard to judge someone just from watching on television, but from what I've seen and read, he seems to be genuine in his faith.
He also has a tattoo. In a flowing script, across the right portion of his chest is tattooed "Philippians 4:13".
When you look up the Bible reference it reads, "I can do all things through Him (Christ) who gives me strength."
Let's evaluate that verse in it's context. Paul is writing to the Philippian believers. In chapter 4 Paul acknowledges that the Philippian believers had expressed concern about Paul's physical needs. The Philippians had entered into a partnership with Paul as he went about his missionary journeys for the sake of the gospel. Paul is glad that they have expressed this concern about his financial well being. But, Paul also wants them to understand that there are more important things than finances. Paul goes on to say how he has learned the secret of being content in Christ. He is satisfied with Jesus, whether he has an abundance of provision, or whether he does not have an abundance. It is in this context that Paul writes verse 13, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." So, the application of this verse is in the context of contentment. Paul is saying that he can be content in Christ no matter the situation because the Lord is always His strength.
Jon "Bones" Jones is not reflecting that context on his tattoo. Jones seems to be advocating, "I can do all things...I can fight and win and beat all of my opponents because of Jesus in my life." Wait a second...maybe my analysis is wrong. Maybe that is exactly what Paul was thinking when he wrote that verse. Maybe Paul had been schooled in mixed martial arts and was touring the world taking on all comers. Maybe Paul did write that verse because when he faces a fight Jesus helps him win. No, no--that's no it at all.
It makes me laugh!! Jon Jones has a permanent tattoo on his chest that doesn't mean what he thinks it does. Admittedly, I am making an assumption about Jones here. Maybe he does understand the context and the tattoo is his reflection on being content in Christ, but I don't think so. I am making a guess that he thinks it relates to his fighting. It's like he has a permanent statement saying, "I'm stupid and don't really know what the Bible says -- but I still love Jesus." I don't mean that in a mean spirited way, it's just funny. I applaud Jon for trying to live out his faith and honor the Lord. I wish him the best. I am a fan of his, and root for him to win. I just think that after his jiu jitsu lesson, he needs some lessons in how to read and study the Bible. By the way, he is not the only one who gets Philippians 4:13 wrong.
The lesson -- if you are going to put a permanent tattoo on your body, and it's a bible verse, please make sure you get the context and meaning right. If not, send me a pic, I like a good laugh.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Susan Komen Embraces Planned Parenthood
I learned something this week about charities that I didn't know and would be willing to bet that others didn't know either.
Last week the Susan G Komen foundation for finding a cure for breast cancer made a decision that it would no longer be giving a portion of its money to Planned Parenthood -- the largest abortion business in America. I applauded this decision. Many others did not. Under incredible pressure for pro-abortion proponents, the Susan G. Komen foundation caved and reversed its decision. It will continue to give financial support to Planned Parenthood.
Here is what I learned: I assumed that all the money that Komen raised went towards the issue of finding a cure for cancer. I had no idea that they gave money to PP. Why did they ever do that in the first place? I would be willing to bet that most people who support and give to Komen had no idea that they gave some of that money to PP.
Komen has had an incredibly good reputation as a key charity for cancer research and finding a cure. I think that reputation is going to take a big hit.
By the way, Planned Parenthood does other things besides abortions. But, everything else it might do is a shell for what it is really all about -- making money through abortion. PP does over 300,000 abortions a year and only gives about 1,000 adoption references. That makes me sick!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
They Laughed At Me
Laughter is a funny thing. It is fun to tell a funny story or a joke and people respond with laughter. (It is not as much fun when you think you are telling a funny story and no one laughs, especially in a sermon). But laughter can have a darker side. It is not much fun when people are laughing AT you.
Few things are more embarrassing and hurtful than to have people laughing at you during a moment of failure. Come on, think about your own life -- this has happened to you, probably when we were younger. I have been on both sides-- the laugher, and the one laughed at. Not good, either way.
Have you ever gone out of your way to be nice, or to help someone--it goes wrong and they laugh at your expense? Imagine the pain and disgrace you might feel.
In my bible reading plan I came across this story about Jesus,
Matthew 9:23-25
"23 And when Jesus came to the ruler’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district. "
First of all, we should be careful projecting our emotions and experience into something similar that happens to Jesus in scripture. But, in this text Jesus is laughed at---and it's not good. The people are mocking Him with laughter. It is meant to be hurtful and to bring embarrassment. Why were they laughing at Him? He was coming to help.
Their laughter is unbelief and lack of understanding. No one can raise some from the dead? The girl had died, it was too late. But, it's not too late for the Author of Life. He has the power over life and death. He can do what seems impossible.
This text is highlighting the person and power of Christ, and the scorn He received during His life. He was laughed at.
I know that Christmas has past, but this is a Christmas text. Jesus willingly left heaven and allowed Himself to be subject to ridicule, scorn, derision. He allowed Himself to experience derisive laughter and humiliation from a people He was coming to help -- from a people He was coming to raise from the dead.
This text demonstrates the incredible depths of God's love that He would sink Himself into humanity and face being laughed at.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Making Out In Front of Death: Danse Macabre
No music is being played, but a dance is taking place. The figure undulating to the mystical sound of it’s own making is not living. Its skin is like the weathered remains of a discarded scrap of leather from a boot makers shop. The tattered leather sucks into the bones that protrude like they would from an emaciated, starving child. The whole scene is odd, but what makes it even more odd is the facial expression. It’s odd because there isn’t much of a face. It’s more like a skull, shrink-wrapped in that shabby leather. And yet, there is a wicked looking smile of triumph. The creature is stark naked, except for a white sheet being used almost like a feather boa at a burlesque show.
There is a great contrast in this scene. There are different types of people standing next to these creatures. There is a king, a nobleman, a noblewoman, a worker, and a peasant. They are dressed, and although they are obviously depicted in attire from the middle ages, they look normal. And weaving in and out among these normal looking humans are these vile creatures, gyrating to some unheard sound of victory.
There are words spoken. One creature speaks to the Emperor, “Emperor, your sword won’t help you out, scepter and crown are worthless here, I’ve taken you by the hand, for you must come to my dance.” It’s speaks without fear, with finality, and gravity. Its words are heavy and carry a tone of glee.
How could something so grotesque be smiling? What kind of God-forsaken creature would be engaged in such a demonic looking dance?
It’s not a creature, it’s not a figure, it is Death—personified.
The Danse Macabre
That was a feeble attempt to describe an incredible piece of art called the Danse Macabre. I went into this old church called the Church of St. Nicholas in Tallin. The church is now a museum and houses some incredible artwork that dates from the Middle Ages. One of the biggest attractions is this incredible mural painting called the Danse Macbre.
A German painter and sculptor, named Bernt Notke, produced this mural in 1425. The mural was moved around over the years, and it didn’t survive intact after WWII. The Church of St. Nicholas is the final resting place for this mural.
It is a fascinating piece of medieval art. It is huge. This isn’t a painting you could hang in your living room. It is probably 50 feet long and 10 feet high. The mural is an allegory that depicts the universality of death regardless of one’s station in life. In the mural, death is personified in animated skeletal looking zombies who are dancing. In between death are people. The people start off from the most important of adults and then progress downward all the way to a child. In between each person is death in the middle of a dance.
Viewing
When you enter the museum, the natural flow of traffic leads you to the Danse Macabre last. So, I made my way around the room looking at the iconographic artwork, the medieval tombstones and caskets (the rich could purchase a place to be buried inside the church), the blasphemous depiction of God the Father, numerous crucifixes, and then the mural. As in most museums, there were some nice displays explaining the artwork. I was intrigued by this piece of art. It caught my attention as a depiction of an incredibly important truism. As Maximus says in the movie Gladiator, “death smiles at us all”. But, instead of smiling back we are faced with the truth that death is dancing the dance of victory.
The other striking reminder is that death dances regardless of who you are. It reaches out to the most prominent king all the way down to the lowliest peasant. Old, and young alike must face the reality of death. One cannot buy themselves out of the dance of death, or rule their way out of the way of death, or work oneself beyond the invitation of death. The universal reach of death is something that cannot be escaped by who we are.
Yes, the mural is grim, dark, and “macabre”. But, it is also true. Death is coming for us all.
Making Out
There were other people in the museum that day. I was reflecting on the important truth depicted in that painting. I am not sure what Mr. Notke’s intent was, but it seems to ignite a confrontation with our own mortality. Humanity is mortal. We will die. No matter who we are, or what our station in life, or what our level of success or failure – death is coming for us. There is nothing we can do about that. I believe that contemplating that reality is good – because it can drive us to the One solution to that problem.
About 12 feet back from the mural is a series of benches. Sitting on these benches was a young couple. A guy and his girlfriend, probably in the early twenties, in a full face lock – making out. What a great date! “Let’s go to the museum today and sit in front of death personified and swap spit.”
How ironic, and yet representative of most people’s awareness of mortality. They ignore it. They get more wrapped up in their immediate pursuits and pleasures than they do in reality and truth. I wonder if Notke saw the same thing in his day, and painted this mural in an attempt to awaken people to the inevitability of the dance of death.
Conclusion
As I noted earlier, this mural is incomplete. There is no conclusion. In my research I was unable to find if there even is a conclusion. Maybe Mr. Notke didn’t have one. The mural is just supposed to make us aware of our mortality. But, given the time it was painted, and that it is incomplete, I wonder if there is some type of conclusion.
Since there isn’t one that is known, I will give my conclusion. Everyone will meet with death. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have or haven’t done – death awaits us all. The reason for our mortality is because of sin. “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) There is nothing we can do to get ourselves out of this payment. We deserve death, both temporal and eternal, for violating the standards of an infinitely holy God. So God, in His great love, did something for us. He sent His Son, Jesus, who became man, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross taking the punishment for our sin. He gave His life’s blood to pay for our sin. He danced with death because He loved us. But, death could not hold Him. He turned the tables around. He brought death to death. He rose from the dead and dances the dance of life-- life eternal. It is only when we turn to the Victorious Risen Savior, that we can be rescued from our own Danse Macabre.
That is the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have an important task. To interrupt people while they are making out, to show them the reality of death and the solution in Jesus Christ alone. That is the only way that they can be rescued from their own date with the Danse Macabre.
Back here in our culture we’ve got a tough mission. We have to reach people with the gospel of Christ while they are busy making out in front of death. They are wrapped up in all kinds of things that distract them from the reality of mortality and the only answer is found in Christ alone.
(This is a picture of a portion of the mural in St. Nicholas Church Museum)
(In this pic you can see the museum layout a bit better. The benches that I mention are not in this pic, and I did NOT take this picture -- you are not supposed to take pictures in the museum, a rule which I followed most of the time)
For More info, you can check out these sights.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danse_Macabre (Wikipedia page on mural)
http://www.dodedans.com/Eest.htm (Danse Macabre Info)
http://www.ekm.ee/eng/niguliste.php?id=137 (Nigueliste Museum: St. Nicholas Church)
There is a great contrast in this scene. There are different types of people standing next to these creatures. There is a king, a nobleman, a noblewoman, a worker, and a peasant. They are dressed, and although they are obviously depicted in attire from the middle ages, they look normal. And weaving in and out among these normal looking humans are these vile creatures, gyrating to some unheard sound of victory.
There are words spoken. One creature speaks to the Emperor, “Emperor, your sword won’t help you out, scepter and crown are worthless here, I’ve taken you by the hand, for you must come to my dance.” It’s speaks without fear, with finality, and gravity. Its words are heavy and carry a tone of glee.
How could something so grotesque be smiling? What kind of God-forsaken creature would be engaged in such a demonic looking dance?
It’s not a creature, it’s not a figure, it is Death—personified.
The Danse Macabre
That was a feeble attempt to describe an incredible piece of art called the Danse Macabre. I went into this old church called the Church of St. Nicholas in Tallin. The church is now a museum and houses some incredible artwork that dates from the Middle Ages. One of the biggest attractions is this incredible mural painting called the Danse Macbre.
A German painter and sculptor, named Bernt Notke, produced this mural in 1425. The mural was moved around over the years, and it didn’t survive intact after WWII. The Church of St. Nicholas is the final resting place for this mural.
It is a fascinating piece of medieval art. It is huge. This isn’t a painting you could hang in your living room. It is probably 50 feet long and 10 feet high. The mural is an allegory that depicts the universality of death regardless of one’s station in life. In the mural, death is personified in animated skeletal looking zombies who are dancing. In between death are people. The people start off from the most important of adults and then progress downward all the way to a child. In between each person is death in the middle of a dance.
Viewing
When you enter the museum, the natural flow of traffic leads you to the Danse Macabre last. So, I made my way around the room looking at the iconographic artwork, the medieval tombstones and caskets (the rich could purchase a place to be buried inside the church), the blasphemous depiction of God the Father, numerous crucifixes, and then the mural. As in most museums, there were some nice displays explaining the artwork. I was intrigued by this piece of art. It caught my attention as a depiction of an incredibly important truism. As Maximus says in the movie Gladiator, “death smiles at us all”. But, instead of smiling back we are faced with the truth that death is dancing the dance of victory.
The other striking reminder is that death dances regardless of who you are. It reaches out to the most prominent king all the way down to the lowliest peasant. Old, and young alike must face the reality of death. One cannot buy themselves out of the dance of death, or rule their way out of the way of death, or work oneself beyond the invitation of death. The universal reach of death is something that cannot be escaped by who we are.
Yes, the mural is grim, dark, and “macabre”. But, it is also true. Death is coming for us all.
Making Out
There were other people in the museum that day. I was reflecting on the important truth depicted in that painting. I am not sure what Mr. Notke’s intent was, but it seems to ignite a confrontation with our own mortality. Humanity is mortal. We will die. No matter who we are, or what our station in life, or what our level of success or failure – death is coming for us. There is nothing we can do about that. I believe that contemplating that reality is good – because it can drive us to the One solution to that problem.
About 12 feet back from the mural is a series of benches. Sitting on these benches was a young couple. A guy and his girlfriend, probably in the early twenties, in a full face lock – making out. What a great date! “Let’s go to the museum today and sit in front of death personified and swap spit.”
How ironic, and yet representative of most people’s awareness of mortality. They ignore it. They get more wrapped up in their immediate pursuits and pleasures than they do in reality and truth. I wonder if Notke saw the same thing in his day, and painted this mural in an attempt to awaken people to the inevitability of the dance of death.
Conclusion
As I noted earlier, this mural is incomplete. There is no conclusion. In my research I was unable to find if there even is a conclusion. Maybe Mr. Notke didn’t have one. The mural is just supposed to make us aware of our mortality. But, given the time it was painted, and that it is incomplete, I wonder if there is some type of conclusion.
Since there isn’t one that is known, I will give my conclusion. Everyone will meet with death. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have or haven’t done – death awaits us all. The reason for our mortality is because of sin. “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) There is nothing we can do to get ourselves out of this payment. We deserve death, both temporal and eternal, for violating the standards of an infinitely holy God. So God, in His great love, did something for us. He sent His Son, Jesus, who became man, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross taking the punishment for our sin. He gave His life’s blood to pay for our sin. He danced with death because He loved us. But, death could not hold Him. He turned the tables around. He brought death to death. He rose from the dead and dances the dance of life-- life eternal. It is only when we turn to the Victorious Risen Savior, that we can be rescued from our own Danse Macabre.
That is the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have an important task. To interrupt people while they are making out, to show them the reality of death and the solution in Jesus Christ alone. That is the only way that they can be rescued from their own date with the Danse Macabre.
Back here in our culture we’ve got a tough mission. We have to reach people with the gospel of Christ while they are busy making out in front of death. They are wrapped up in all kinds of things that distract them from the reality of mortality and the only answer is found in Christ alone.
(This is a picture of a portion of the mural in St. Nicholas Church Museum)
(In this pic you can see the museum layout a bit better. The benches that I mention are not in this pic, and I did NOT take this picture -- you are not supposed to take pictures in the museum, a rule which I followed most of the time)
For More info, you can check out these sights.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danse_Macabre (Wikipedia page on mural)
http://www.dodedans.com/Eest.htm (Danse Macabre Info)
http://www.ekm.ee/eng/niguliste.php?id=137 (Nigueliste Museum: St. Nicholas Church)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)