Here’s one of my 300 photos, and would have been a discard, but for what it suggests (in light of my last blog). For a few others, see Facebook here.
We’ve been to La Alhambra. It’s another of the few very great places I’ve wanted to see while I still have eyes in my head.
The Alhambra was built a thousand years ago by Muslims as they moved ever westward and northward. Spain, as you’ll remember, is just a large stepping stone* from Morocco where Mohammad’s minions settled without resistance. Here, however, there was a strong difference of opinion, with Ferdinand and Isabella having final say. But this was not to be a history lesson.
Anne (in God’s image)
It could be a lesson is architecture, however, and lovely landscaping, swirling calligraphy, and geometric pattern everywhere. Theirs was a pursuit of artforms not found in nature. But their aesthetic sense would be welcome in Eden, and, were it possible, add to it.
Nor does one even miss the absence of human form in the art. Their teaching prevents artfully representing humanity at all because that would be a blasphemy, man being created in God’s image.
Seems they got part of that right.
But here’s one not in the Koran: The body is for the Lord and the Lord is for the body.**
That’s a deeper truth than the other, and once again we’re dealing here with things invisible. And more freeing.
As Scripture says in the same context: All things are permissible to me, which includes, by the way, painting a portrait if I want to. Or anything else.
I’m not saying it’s worth fighting a war over; enough of that has happened in the past and seems to continue. And I’m not saying the Islamic approach hasn’t created some extraordinary art. To the contrary.
I’m just saying I’m free, and so are you.
Let’s drink to that.
(Oops, Koran says can’t do that either. Sorry.)
___________________
* Gibraltar
** 1 Cor. 10:12-20
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
4:33 am
I think the war The Lord means us to fight is primarily with our “flesh” and then the ground we’ve given to Satan, by giving into out flesh? Any comments to add…I am no scholar.
7:52 am
Amazing insight again! Thanks for the armchair (or iPad) tour!
8:52 am
As to the art, the point is Beauty, which is awakened in us by that which is created. Nature is the starting point, but we as humans are made in God’s image, with His creative bent. The surrounding art and architecture you two are appreciating may not be of the natural world, but is the work of man’s creative mind and hand, hence potentially a reflection of the God-glory. With this, all is “permissible” i.e. we have His permission to take in and enjoy (even if the theology of the artist is skew). So, carry on, friends!
12:29 pm
Thanks Hyatt . I have been there and it is a rare sight. I love to read your explanations ….so cool.
And….A beautiful picture of Anne .
Thanks for sharing.
12:52 pm
Hyatt, you are a great writer!! I enjoy your topics and perspective so much. Thank you for your willingness to share your thoughts both deep and playful.
12:15 pm
[…] of the most beautiful man made places on earth. Once again, I’ve commented on it already, in Blank Slate. It looks serene here but, in fact, I’d usually have to wait for throngs of tourists to move […]