Angels and virgins and unicorns, oh my! Here's a curious bit of Christian art history I have come across. From around 1330 AD a theme emerged in Medieval and Renaissance poetry art of the Virgin Mary as the hortus conclusus or "enclosed garden". This was inspired by a verse from the Song of Songs which reads … Continue reading Christian Art: the hunt of the unicorn
The Christian alchemy of Heinrich Khunrath
I have been researching the Lutheran alchemists again, this time Heinrich Khunrath (1590 - 1605). He was a German physician, hermetic philosopher, and alchemist whose most famous work was Ampitheatrum Sapientae Aeternae (Ampitheatre of Eternal Wisdom). John Warwick Montgomery has pointed out that Johann Arndt (1555 - 1621), who was an influential author of Lutheran … Continue reading The Christian alchemy of Heinrich Khunrath
A prayer for Imbolc
The Hope of Spring - Author Unknown God, thank you for Spring and the hope of warmer, longer, brighter days. Thank you for the coming of growth and life and birth. Thank you that things are coming awake in the world. This is what our calendar says, and we do see some signs that it … Continue reading A prayer for Imbolc
A sonnet for Candlemas
Candlemas by Malcolm Guite They came, as called, according to the Law. Though they were poor and had to keep things simple, They moved in grace, in quietness, in awe, For God was coming with them to his temple. Amidst the outer court’s commercial bustle They’d waited hours, enduring shouts and shoves, Buyers and sellers, … Continue reading A sonnet for Candlemas
St Wick: Patron of firearms and puppies
St Wick. Patron off firearms and puppies.
Trump as Woman’s Nightmare
Trump as incubus, "A Woman's Nightmare" An incubus is a demon in male form who, according to legendary, attack women in their dreams in order to have sex with them and spawn demonic children. Psychologists have speculated that these legends could have arisen from experiences of parasomnia or sleep paralysis. Some traditions hold that … Continue reading Trump as Woman’s Nightmare
Mercy is not based on love alone
Mercy involves both truth and love. Truth, in that mercy involves no denial of wrongs having been committed. Love, in that mercy involves no dwelling on wrongs, but is instead focussed on moving towards reconciliation.
Never mention Jesus, whatever you do
The other day I was re-reading Randall Neighbour's snarky but all too accurate article on "anti-evangelism" strategies for Christians. The tip that resonated with me most was, "When interacting with friends, neighbors and co-workers, talk about your family, your job, the weather, your favorite sports team, the new restaurant you found or your increasing drive … Continue reading Never mention Jesus, whatever you do
Christian Art: Peter Denies Jesus
Paintings illustrating the infamous incident where Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. The gospel of Mark records the incident as follows: Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do … Continue reading Christian Art: Peter Denies Jesus
George Pell mural removed as deemed ‘offensive’
A mural featuring former Australian Catholic Archbishop George Pell in handcuffs and prison clothes, praying with a demonic figure leaning in over his shoulder, was removed this week because of complaints that it was 'offensive'. Really?! That's what people find offensive? What I find offensive are the crimes George Pell was convicted of: child sexual … Continue reading George Pell mural removed as deemed ‘offensive’
