The Primary Visual Arts For Worship
Cultural and historical developments have directly influenced the ways that color, form, and design have been used in the worship environment. In semiliterate societies, the illustrated word carries more meaning and, therefore, more power than the read or printed word. Visual art creates a context that can demonstrate relationships between people, objects, and concepts more efficiently than other media. Contemporary North American culture is becoming image dominated. Television, film, photography, advertising, and computerized graphics are shifting the balance of communicative power between word and image. The visual arts in worship can not be avoided or ignored in the present age. They are an important means of communication with God for artist and participant, drawing worshipers into the story of faith in affective and spiritual ways. The different visual forms discussed in this section point toward a greater awareness of the visual aspects of worship and congregational life.…
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Chapters & Articles in The Primary Visual Arts For Worship (9)
There are three primary liturgical furnishings for the setting of worship: the pulpit, the Table (or altar), and th…
This article clarifies the purpose of the lectern (here discussed using the synonymous term ambo), pulpit, and Bibl…
This article argues that the altar should serve as a focal point in the worship space. It discusses both the theolo…
The altar was a significant part of Old Testament worship, serving as a place for ritual sacrifices and symbolizing…
The visual appearance of the Table or altar is important in communicating its meaning. This article offers advice f…
Christians in many worshiping traditions use a variety of ritual actions to indicate their reverence for the worshi…
The placement and appearance of the baptismal font has been the subject of many debates throughout the history of t…
The sacrament of Christian baptism presents a variety of symbolic meanings. In one ritual act, the new Christian is…
Once the theological rationale for the design of the font has been established, artists, architects, and craftspers…