Art
C o m m u n ic a t ion By Gene Edward Veith
orship is all about coming into the presence of Christ. For Lutherans, this is not just some figure of speech. When we go to church, we believe that He is really there—in the building—that in Word and Sacrament He is actually present. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Notice how often the name of Jesus and the Triune God is invoked in the Divine Service (“In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. . .”): at the beginning, in the absolution, in the prayers, in baptism, in Holy Communion, in the blessings. When we gather, pray and receive His gifts in His name, by the power of His word, there He is among us. Now this is true even when the sermon gets a little boring, or when everything seems routine, or when our minds are filled with so many distractions that it is hard to pay attention. Christ is still present, even though we do not perceive Him.To use Luther’s phrase, He is hidden. Just as God hid Himself in the man crucified on a cross, He hides Himself in that book on the lectern, the waters of baptism, bread and wine, in the vocation of the pastor, and—when you receive His gifts in faith—in you. The appropriate emotions when you realize that you are in the presence of Christ are awe, joy, and wonder. But we are not always that aware of what is happening in worship, and our emotions are generally out of synch. What art in worship can do is to remind us—mentally and emotionally—of what is going on. Depictions of Christ—on the crucifix, in the stained glass windows, in paintings above the altar—call to mind His presence. All of those crosses help us focus our minds on what He did for us, and that His presence is for our forgiveness. Then there are the symbols—the doves and vines, the seashells with drops of water, the crowns, the odd emblems on the banners. A symbol expresses a concept by means of a concrete image. Its purpose is not just to communicate some abstraction, but to bring the truth down to earth, to manifest it so that we can imagine what it means. Contemplating a symbol can help us realize new facets of the truth it symbolizes, and, in worship, can remind us that Christian doctrines are not just vague propositions, but are tangible realities. Music is another art form used in worship.The word is in good hymns, but most churches use instrumental music too—pure form, pure aesthetics. The music—not just the words—needs to be fitting for the occasion, in this case, for coming into the presence of Christ.This is no time for 60’s nostalgia, pop tunes, rock ‘n’ roll, or campfire songs. Not that there is anything wrong with these musical styles in their spheres. There are different kinds of music for different occasions. As one wag has noted,“’Who Let the Dogs Out’ works well at a football game, but it wouldn’t go over as well at a funeral.” Church music, as well as other kinds of church art should evoke an air of mystery, so as to highlight the mysteries of salvation. No work of art or piece of music can add to what Christ is already doing in worship. What they can do is help to compose and focus our thoughts and feelings, to remind us of Christ’s presence, and to awaken that sense of awe, joy, and wonder.
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Dr. Gene Edward Veith is Dean of Arts and Sciences at Concordia University, Mequon,Wisconsin. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Higher Things.
