Growing up within an independent evangelical house plant that got out of hand, Christians who “dabbled” in the arts were seen in a similar light to those who “dabbled” in other dark recesses. It was only ok as long as you used your art for “Holy Purposes”. Theatre must be bible stories. Nothing could be in and for itself.

Example.

In Charles Sheldon’s “In his steps“, that book spawned a million WWJD bands, the only acceptable use for an opera singers voice is to give up her place on tour, stay and sing for a local mission. If I were to approach writing that story now I’d have the opera singer head off to do a world tour of “La Boheme”?, see how she lives an authentic Christian spirituality on the road, how she stays connected with her spiritual centre when the location she finds herself in changes week by week. And if I were to write it, well, it’d end up being a Spiritual “Bridget Jones” “Rent” fusion- lots of fabulous parties, fabulous people wearing fabulous clothes and shoes and gossip but at its centre is our beautiful Red headed singer seeking a way to authentically express her spirituality.

I live in the 13th most deprived area of Scotland, (according to government figures). This is not a salubrious area, but the houses are good and transport links to the city centre are v-good. There is a large 24hr supermarket, a football stadium, a park and a climbing wall within 5-10 mins. walking distance.

Earlier this week the Glasgow City Council approved plans to allow Rangers to bid for the one Super Casino licence from the British Government. The proposed casino would be situated two streets from mine.

Justice is a word with many interpretations. But from here, the use of my area as being deprived so we need a super casino next door is unjust in the extreme. The area I live in does not have the social or political impact to oppose these plans. I wonder how many believe the argument of the planners and the council that it will benefit local residents.

Me. I’m not convinced. It justices it treating everyone fairly then why does the planners need to sell this to us. Why do I feel like I am being to be thankful for something that is unjust?

Strongly worded letter on its way, Tony.

Today I went to a large bookstore. Being tight, I looked at the bargain clearance section I saw a white jacketed, oversized, picture book. The book was called “Cross“.

My spiritual ears pricked up

The book was put together by Kelly Klien, a fashion photographer and editor. It has about 160 pictures and the inside flap claims, “This is the first book ever to distil the icon of the cross to its pure aesthetic essence, to explore it’s universal beauty.”

Can you do that?

The pictures are striking. (With a list of top-notch photographers it should be.) But does it distil the icon of the cross to its pure aesthetic essence?

Yes.

It does. The heart is ripped out of it. The pictures seem cold at points. Shock is main weapon of several of the photographers.

No.

About 120 pictures in a picture of Frank Sinatra captured me. Black and white. He looks in his 30’s casually dressed, conscious of being photographed. Effortless, looking apologetic, as he stands arms outstretched in a cross, one thick boot on another.

Does the cross ever have a universal beauty?

Yeah.
But I think that comes with the baggage of its icon status.