Last night at The Riv we continued our conversation on "what is The (River) Church. We specifically discussed why we sing, play music, look at poetry, display art, light candles-etc.
Being part of the New Creation as both a work of new creation (redeemed) and assistant to the new creation (joint heirs) is a natural obedience to the greatest "commandment". In Matthew 22 Jesus was asked by a lawyer what the greatest Commandment is. I love how Jesus always goes deeper than us. We ask and seek on a surface level, but Jesus goes deeper. In Jesus' answer he says "You shall Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and ALL of your MIND" (verse 37).
Our brains are complex. The Right side of the brain is the creative side. The Left side of the brain is the more linear side. One part of the brain deals with long term memory. Another part deals with short term memory. (WOW! Our creator is AMAZING)
If we are to love God with all of our minds- then Creativity must be part of that. Not only with each individual, but also collectively. If we shun the creative nature of our Community, then we by necessity shut out those individuals who are by design more right brained then left. And we then exclude many from participation in the Kingdom community.
the next verse says "the second greatest command is like the first, love your neighbor as yourself". How can we do this if we exclude those who are more artistic?
What are our thoughts, comments?
For Discussion: In what ways do those who are more linear in their thinking appreciate those who are more creative?
How do we as a community keep these two sides of our brain in UNITY- (not balance)?
peace,
(posted by sc)
2 comments:
I appreciate the artisitic people because they posess a tatalt that I do not. sure I can sing a song (maybe not in tune or for easy listening), or draw(not well at all) a picture. but I cant make a song for the life of me nor can a play an instrument as well(I lack coordination). as for drawing and painting or computer tech stuff I sock. So the poeple who do that stuff well I appreciate them. I can hear a song and relate and then sing along. A song triggers a feeling or thought or brings to light something I never noticed before. As for art, I can do the same.Its about realating understanding and learning. Without creative people I dont think you could ever grow. Creativity is what propels change and Break throughs. I mean if someone never invented an alphabet we would never know what we are talking about or reading. Same with everything else. It also brings inspiration. I think to keep the two sides of the brain or the different people in unity we should share and show appreciation for both. I think we are doing agood job with that, there is always room for improvement. If we didnt keep improving or changeing we wouldnt grow.
I sort of answered this question last time a bit. Although I am a mediocre musician and visual artist, I do not feel that I am particularly a creative person, especially next to Justin and my friend Taren, who comes up with the best ideas ALL THE TIME. She's so artistic, even her outfits are like works of art!
I marvel at this God-given creativity in people. I think one way more linear-minded people can appreciate creativity is to allow themselves to be inspired by it. The crazy colors and silly-looking animals in creation aren't necessarily logical, but God had FUN being creative, which leads me to believe that he wants us to feel that way too.
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