Images and Worship

The debate over art in worship has been in full swing for centuries. One has only to look at the ornate cathedrals of the eastern church or visit a Roman Catholic church to see a likeness of Jesus on the cross in order to experience art in places of worship. On my desk are two likenesses given to me by my sister. One is a likeness of Jesus carved into some kind of tree indigenous to Honduras. The other is a letter opener carved out of mahogany with a lion for a handle. This piece came from Africa. I'm just sitting here looking at those two things and I also have a portrait of the church I'm currently serving from one hundred years ago. There are all kinds of things in my office and around our church (from banners in the sanctuary to posters in the kids' classrooms) that constitute image in worship.

The question is whether or not decoration enhances or detracts from the worship experience. A sanctified common sense goes a long way in determining what is appropriate and what is not. I remember as a kid hearing about the lady who made a motion in the church business meeting to cover the pews in a leopard skin pattern. She didn't stay at the church long after that. Maybe that's a bit flashy for a house of worship, but one thing is for sure - most churches are no where close to being excessive in their adornment. Is there anyone else out there who is tired of the off white, labratory-styled hallways and sanctuaries?

Images depicting the stories of Scripture are often displayed in stained glass against plain white walls. More times than not, though, churches are just blah and provide nothing more than a sterile environment in which to meet God. I have a friend who serves in a church that has an art gallery in it. They took one of the unused Sunday School rooms and turned it into an art gallery for local college students (and church members) to display their religious art. The gallery is a wonderful addition to the church and a great outreach tool. I've been in churches where every hallway depicted some story of Scripture (from Daniel in the lion's den to Jesus' ascension). I think art / image in worship is great as long as it is tastefully done and points people to the great God we serve. What do you think?