Lesson twelve - pages 24-25 Spirit transformation

Text from the book

Christians believe that the spirit of God is still changing the world. Look for the different symbols used in this tapestry. How does the artist show the world being transformed?

The wealth of Christian symbols shown here will stimulate the imagination. Wonder together about the different ways Christians believe God is still transforming the world today.

Learning objectives

Pupils will

• develop an understanding of Christian symbolism
• explore the use of metaphor and simile in Christian art and scripture.

Bible reference

Revelation 4.1-11

Background

This picture is a tapestry which hangs in Chichester Cathedral. The artist is John Piper. He uses many Christian symbols to represent the Christian belief that God is still working in creation, still changing and engaging with the world. The symbol of the cross, the fire of the Holy Spirit and the four gospel writers are there (Matthew, the human face; Mark the lion; Luke, the ox; John the eagle: for Jesus was born as a man, sacrificed like an ox, rose triumphant like a lion and ascended like an eagle). The impact is one of energy and life, furiously bursting out into the eye of the beholder. For Christians it is a very powerful representation of how God is continuing to transform the world. This text from the Revelation of John is an excellent example of the vibrant, imaginative ways in which Christians use metaphor and symbol to express the power and force of their faith. The words have immense energy and vigour to engage the readers’ imagination and interest. Using words and images in a non-literal way is a positive encouragement for pupils to use their imagination and to explore Christian beliefs creatively and not to be constrained by literalism.

Ways of using the pictures

• Discuss with pupils what they feel about the colours and symbols.
• The Gospel writers are depicted by special symbols. What characteristics do the pupils associate with the symbols?
• What symbols would the pupils choose to represent some of the changes they see in the world around them?

Key words

• Symbol
• Mystery
• Reflection
• Creativity
• Intensity
• More than meets the eye

Activity

Pupils recreate an image of something very special to them, not just a literal painting or description but exploring the meaning of why it is so special.

They should be silent while they reflect on the image, listen to the voice inside before they begin to work. Music could be playing to set a reflective mood. This is a process very familiar to Christians as they prepare for worship.

Look carefully at the picture. Could any part be taken away without reducing its effect? What part is the most important, if any? What words come to mind when you look at the picture?

Learning outcomes

Pupils will have:

• used their imagination and applied the experience when looking at a work of art;
• reflected on why signs, symbols, metaphors and similes may be more evocative than factual description or representation.

Extension work

Read The Revelation of John 4.1-6.

Paint an image of what is in your mind when you have read it two or three times. Choose some music to play when you explain your painting to the class.

Web sites

http://www.museophile.sbu.ac.uk

http://www.culham.info/Pentecost/symbols.html
Culham College have provided a comprehensive look at Christian symbols with links through to an exhaustive list of symbols on a US site at http://www.culham.info/Pentecost/Links/symaa_fs.html

© Alan Brown and Alison Seaman, 2002

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