art
Nantucket’s ‘Greater Light’ house holds clues to island’s Quaker past
By Kimberly Winston — June 25, 2014
NANTUCKET, Mass. (RNS) An eclectic house on this tourist island tells the story of two women who expressed Quakerism's "inner light" in converting an old barn to their dream house.
Why pastor Erwin McManus took a six-year public hiatus–and decided to come back now
By Jonathan Merritt — June 12, 2014
In 2008, Erwin McManus largely disappeared after authoring a slew of bestselling books and traveling the country speaking to tens of thousands. This is why he's chosen to reemerge now.
Q&A: ‘Noah’ director Darren Aronofsky on justice vs. mercy
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — March 24, 2014
(RNS) "Noah" director Darren Aronofsky describes where he got the idea for the film, how he plans to respond to critics and why he focuses the film on themes of justice vs. mercy.
Should Philadelphia’s seminary sell its art work?
By David Gibson — March 17, 2014
Or is there a way to keep the home-grown treasures like portraits by Thomas Eakins, Philip Pearlstine, and Alice Neel?
Will evangelicals miss the boat on Paramount’s ‘Noah?’
By Jonathan Merritt — March 17, 2014
Some evangelical leaders have criticized Paramount's forthcoming "Noah" film for not being fully accurate. RNS' Jonathan Merritt points out that these leaders have supported equally inaccurate biblical productions and misunderstand how good art functions.
Video and photo slideshow: The many faces of Jesus
By Sally Morrow — January 28, 2014
Hanging in the hallways of Broadway Church, a historic stone structure in midtown Kansas City, Mo., are more than 200 artistic portrayals of Jesus. Inspired by Salvador Dali's "Christ of St. John of the Cross," the church's former pastor, Paul R. Smith, began collecting these "faces of Jesus", which were mounted in 1996.
PHOTOS: Bible illustrations from history’s ‘best-selling artist’
By Sally Morrow — January 22, 2014
(RNS) Annie Vallotton's simple illustrations of biblical stories have been included in the more than 225 million copies of "The Good News Bible."
Women photographers shatter Middle Eastern stereotypes
By Omar Sacirbey — January 7, 2014
BOSTON (RNS) “She Who Tells a Story,” a photo exhibit now showing at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, features the work of 12 women from Muslim countries who shatter stereotypes with works that are provocative, beautiful, mysterious, and surprising, all at the same time.
5 films that will make 2014 ‘the year of the Bible’
By Jonathan Merritt — January 3, 2014
A slew of biblical films with star-studded casts and big budgets is slated for 2014. Here are five you don't want to miss.
Fresco: The art of sustainable spirituality
By Sally Morrow — November 25, 2013
Fresco artist Joy Baer explains the all-natural process of making paint with earth minerals on a porous surface.
New Mixed Up Chorus aims to bridge London’s faith communities
By Brian Pellot — October 14, 2013
Three Faiths Forum’s new interfaith choir plans to bring Londoners of all religious and cultural backgrounds together through music.
Video: What does your God look like?
By Kellie Moore — October 10, 2013
"If you could draw a picture of God -- any god, whichever you happen to believe in -- what would it look like?"
‘Jesus (still) hates religion’: An interview with YouTube sensation Jefferson Bethke
By Jonathan Merritt — October 8, 2013
YouTube sensation Jefferson Bethke answers his critics and explains why he still hates religion.
Blasphemy! * Sexting statue * ‘Halal’ pork: Religious Freedom Recap: Sept. 30 – Oct. 7
By Brian Pellot — October 7, 2013
Blasphemy rights and wrongs. A religious group in Kansas tries to censor a sexting statue. And the British government is sued for feeding Muslim inmates pork-laced pies.
12 “blasphemous” artworks censored or vandalized by angry believers
By Brian Pellot — October 4, 2013
A New Yorker who recently penned an erotic version of the Bible woke up last week to find “BLASPHMY” spray painted across his front step. From Piss Christ to elephant dung Mary, here’s a look at 12 artworks that have been silenced or destroyed for exploring “blasphemous” themes.
