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.