Sculpture In Worship

At times a piece of visual art opens possibilities for creating sermons or reflections on Scripture readings in worship. Sculpture is an art form that can lend itself to such proclamation or contemplation. That art can enrich worship is freely acknowledged. To understand why art can enrich worship calls for a variety of approaches. Mine will be that of a sculptor who has dealt primarily with the story of Christ and his disciples. For over forty years my vocation has been the work of an ordained Presbyterian minister. Wood sculpture, on the other hand, I regard as an accomplishment. It is quite natural that I should have had a lifelong interest in how the church might use both sculpture and painting in worship. I find it encouraging that in so many churches the visual arts are now being explored with appreciation, so that the title of this article could be reproduced with many helpful variations by a growing number of people who are knowledgeable in art. Why Talk About It at All? T…