The REnaissance Project part 3

So what is the REnaissance Project?

I. Philisophical Framework (in 3 parts)

(part 1 of 3) A Transitional Movement: a re-structuring of priorities
(part 2 of 3) A Revival of Classical Influence: a re-discovery of ancient inspiration

(part 3 of 3)
A Flowering of the Arts and Literature: a re-birth of creativity

During the Renaissance there was an explosion of creativity and beauty which brought glory to the ultimate Author of creativity and beauty. This was not the first time in human history when such a movement took place. We have seen how in God’s creative act in Genesis 1 that he set the paradigm for creating and highlighting beauty. We also saw from Exodus 31 and in David’s serving as a poet, a songwriter and a musician how creativity flourished among God’s people.

As we look at the Bible itself we see varied genres of literature displayed highlighting the diversity and creativity even within specific areas of the Arts. We witness everything from History to Poetry and music to Prophecy. We see the creative use of language as the author’s own personalities and artistic gifts are used and even highlighted by the Holy Spirit.

The Renaissance Project also desires to assist, encourage, and participate in yet another God inspired explosion of creativity and beauty which brings glory to the God of all creation.

The REnaissance Project part 2

So what is The Renaissance Project?

I. Philosophical framework (in 3 parts)

Part 1) A Transitional Movement: a restructuring of priorities

Part 2) A Revival of Classical Influence: a re-discovery of ancient inspiration

After 400 years of slavery and oppression in the land of Egypt, the Lord brings the people of Israel through the Red Sea to the foot of Mt. Sinai in order to introduce himself to a people who were only vaguely aware that they were a people. Through the giving of Genesis by the divinely inspired pen of their divinely appointed leader Moses, we see a record of God’s introduction of himself to this recently freed group of slaves. People, meet Yahweh, your God. The first recorded act that a sovereign and purposeful God chooses to record, the first characteristic of himself revealed to this people is as Creator. Genesis 1:1 states that, “In the beginning, God created…” God as Creator. Creativity is a divine attribute. The very act of participating in the creative process is a mimicry of the Divine.

As we look around at the results of this divine act of creation, even in its fallen state our breath is taken away by jagged, snow-capped peaks, by vast, sparkling oceans, by the heart stopping beauty of a sunset, by the panorama of colors revealed upon a canvas of Fall leaves. Even in the amazing diversity and creativity displayed within the countless flora and fauna found across the globe, God’s creative nature screams to us in a symphony of varied revelations.

In Exodus 31 we see in the commissioning of Oholiab and Bezalel as craftsmen and artisans for the Tabernacle the importance which God places upon the creation of beauty for His own Glory. In the creation of beautiful things, whether that be a carefully built piece of furniture, a well constructed story, a beautiful painting, a spectacularly designed landscape or a finely crafted song, not only are we bearing and reflecting the image of God by mimicking the divine attribute of His creativity, we are also bringing glory to God by the creation of beauty.

Historically, particularly during the middle ages, much of the finest art in the area of music, sculpture, painting, calligraphy, etc was produced for and commissioned by the church. Where would Michelangelo or Da Vinci been without the church as a patron? Where would Handel have been without the body of Christ supporting his composing music for God’s own glory? It could even be argued that David in his composition and performance of music at the request of King Saul was a beneficiary of Saul’s (admittedly schizophrenic) patronage.

The Renaissance Project desires to encourage and work towards a return to the churches broader involvement in and support of the arts community.

An Introduction to The REnaissance Project

So what is The REnaissance Project?

I. Philosophical framework

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word “renaissance” as the following:

1 the transitional movement in Europe between medieval and modern times beginning in the 14th century in Italy, lasting into the 17th century, and marked by a humanistic revival of classical influence expressed in a flowering of the arts and literature and by the beginnings of modern science b : the period of the Renaissance c : the neoclassic style of architecture prevailing during the Renaissance 2 often capitalized : a movement or period of vigorous artistic and intellectual activity 3 : rebirth, revival

In the coming days we will look briefly at each of the following three elements.

• A transitional movement
  
• A revival of classical influence
  
• A flowering of the arts and literature
  

A Transitional Movement: a re-structuring of priorities

We, as a Reformed denomination founded upon the importance of sola scriptura, have historically and correctly placed a very high degree of importance upon the hearing and teaching and preaching of God’s Holy Word. Whatever we do, whatever we teach, we do so because those things are found within the pages of the Bible. This is good. This is right. This is true.

However, as imperfect, fallen individuals, fractured by the Fall in ways beyond our full comprehension, we have at times failed to apply the high degree of importance found within the pages of Scripture to the full spectrum of life in the same ways which Scripture does.

All of life is under the Lordship of Christ. Where we have rightly placed importance upon the faithful preaching of God’s Word and holy living, we shall say “Amen”. However, in areas where we have not historically appropriated the Lordship of Christ, we must repent for our incomplete application of gospel Lordship and seek, under the authority and motivation of Scripture, to move forward in the reclaiming of those areas.

The Arts is one such area that has historically been neglected within the larger Reformed community of believers. In seeking to raise the importance of this particular area of life, we do not in any way seek to de-value areas where we have historically been strong. The Renaissance Project seeks to reclaim and champion an important and vital area of God’s good creation by emphasizing the Lordship of Christ over all areas of the Arts and claiming them for His glory.

The Power of a Mentor

I read an interesting article over on CNN earlier today about Donald Miller and David Gentiles (pictured above). Never heard of Gentiles? Well, if it weren't for Gentiles you probably would never have heard of Miller. Regardless of what you think about Miller's personality, theological positions or political affections, this article is a great testimony to the power of mentoring.

One life being poured into another for the sake, not just of that individual, but for the sake of the broader kingdom.

It is what Atlanta business-man Regi Campbell in a 2009 book titled "Mentor Like Jesus" calls "intentionally investing in the next generation .... for God's glory." It is a process patterned by Jesus and commanded by Jesus. And it is an area in which many modern evangelical churches, for all of our technological know-how and theological precision are amazingly anemic.

So read about Gentiles' impact on Miller. Consider the books not written, the initiatives not begun and ask yourself, who are those in the next generation into whom you are pouring your life?

Then join me in repentance over our failure to give away what we have been so freely given, namely our lives and the grace by which to live them through faith in the unmerited favor and blessing of a Savior greater than we could ever imagine. Then, and only then, in light of this amazing grace shown to us, let us move forward into the amazing and humbling challenge of pouring what we have been given into the lives of others. For the glory of God.