Presenting Religious art in a way acceptable to Protestants

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I want to let these Protestant kids know that in the Middle ages, very few people could read. So, the art in the Churches really geared not only as devotional images but also as instructional. I think I might show them more modern images too so they can see how we don’t have as much symbolism in more recent Religious art.

I didn’t know about the connection between Caravaggio and the Passion of the Christ.

These are middle school age students in conservative families. I imagine most haven’t seen it. But, I’m curious myself now.

I’m not an artist by training. It’s just an interest of mine, so I’m learning as much as the kids. I am having so much fun learning about it. I wish I’d majored in Art history instead of Biology.
 
leonie said:
I want to let these Protestant kids know that in the Middle ages, very few people could read. So, the art in the Churches really geared not only as devotional images but also as instructional. I think I might show them more modern images too so they can see how we don’t have as much symbolism in more recent Religious art.

I didn’t know about the connection between Caravaggio and the Passion of the Christ.

These are middle school age students in conservative families. I imagine most haven’t seen it. But, I’m curious myself now.

I’m not an artist by training. It’s just an interest of mine, so I’m learning as much as the kids. I am having so much fun learning about it. I wish I’d majored in Art history instead of Biology.
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We have a very well established Presbyterian church in our neighbor founded in the late 1700’s and they have icons on all their stained glass doors of which there are many. Go figure.
 
leonie said:
I’m teaching an art history class for a group of Christian middle school kids. There’s a mix of Catholics and Protestants. I am planning that my last lesson will be on religious symbolism in Medieval and Renaissance painting.

I’m a little apprehensive because sometimes the Protestants in the group have objections when the Catholic teachers get too Catholic.

Anyway, I was hoping some Protestants or some converts could tell me what some sensitive topics might be when it comes to religious art. I would like to do a painting of the annunciation. Since it is a Biblical scene, do you think that would be okay. Or should I steer clear of Mary?

Would a scene of the crucifixion be offensive to Protestants? I am wondering since some Protestants have an aversion to crucifixes?

I considered discussing icons, but I’ve been warned that icons is a sore subject in the group since some Protestants object to using icons as a meditative tool.

Any (name removed by moderator)ut would be helpful.
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if your still looking for thoughts I’ll try. dont mind the St Peter earlier but dont know how old middle school is? Im thinking college? if so thats fine. Crucifixion is not offensive to me as a protestant anyway. The passion was brutal but I think it was probably fairly accurate we just as a society have no idea.

religious art and art can be offensive, but why dont you just explain the ones you think are offensive? Then if someone understood then it wouldnt be. Then again not all religious art needs to be rough, showing Gods glory or joy is also part of God so should be part of art.

There is always just plain old taste. My greatgrandma had painting of Mary and Jesus and there hearts were floating above their chests. always creeped me out as a kid.

Part of art Im sure you know is teaching appreciation, maybe one might not like the picture but can understand its talent. Take tatoo art for example dont care for it but can understand it somewhat. dont know if this is helpful but its my 2 cents, if you have any questions ask away. 😃
 
Middle school in this case is 5th through 8th graders–11 years through 13 year olds.
 
Then my opinion and 1.50 will get ya coffee. but I wouldnt worry so much about debates here and instead look for things to their level.

I dont know but how anamie relates to it somehow? cant think of a example. hope you get me. But in the stop action, video games culture you have a bigger hurdle than offending protestants. Art appreciation is harder. I guess not knowing any examples but look for stuff that can draw them in to relate to what you are showing them.

Once you draw them in then you can slowly get them to appreciate. I remember my art instructor had us draw our hands blindly then look how we did. We said you know its not a hand proper but we can see it and its pretty good. She said good now you are on your first step to appreciate abstract art. clever girl…

btw what was with the floating hearts anyway? I think they came with great grandma from the old country.
 
What service will be done to anyone by hiding some of the realities of the history?
 
I was moved to tears as a lutheran 9 year old by viewing what is being referred to as “Catholic art”.
Never underestimate those seeds you are spreading. 🙂
 
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