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Images, Inc.

© Blake Atwood

Images, Inc. or Incorporating Images

I heard a lecture by Leonard Sweet this last week. One of the numerous interesting statements he made was this: "It was a misunderstood metaphor that killed Jesus."

He was referring to the time Jesus said He was the Temple, and He'd raze it to the ground and then raise it up in three days. That was one of the reasons the Pharisees got upset with him. A misunderstood metaphor.

Our image-based society isn't only images on a screen or in a picture but also images painted by words. This is what Jesus did after all. He told stories to the people. And most of the time He didn't even tell them what He really meant. He left that open for question.

Maybe my question now is "Why don't we do that in church?" We're always so intent on keeping control of our respective denominational theologies, making sure every point in our three point sermons are clearly outlined so no one can leave thinking something quite contrary to what we want them to think. That's what's so scary about an image-based society. People have the control to interpret images as they see fit. Those in control (like the clergy or your Sunday School teacher) no longer have control. But wouldn't it be quite radical to believe that God has control over how people interpret images? Just like He had control when Jesus preached about cutting off your hand should it cause you to sin?

So I promised ways to incorporate images. I did mean mostly through the use of actual pictures, but I've come around to some other ideas as well, mostly through the influence of my pastor at TerraNova.

In no particular order:

Movie Clips - I know this is done, but it gives your congregation a break from the monotony of a sermon (especially in this A.D.D generation).

Art - We have to lend thanks to the medieval Church for keeping art alive during the dark ages, but we have to look at the Protestants for taking it back out. Create a place for your worshippers to worship through art - drawing, writing, painting, sculpting. The list could be endless. Postmoderns love to create.

StoryTime Sermons Instead of explaining a Bible verse, enact it. And leave it at that. No explanation, no sermonizing, maybe just a quiet time of reflection on the story itself. You could even try your hand at a modern day retelling of a Bible story.

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