In referring to the language of art theologian Jeremy Begbie has written, “When we learn another language for the first time, we discover more about the world…. To ‘get inside’ a fresh language means that I will discern more, understand more” (Beholding the Glory:Incarnation Through the Arts, 2001, p.xi). A theologian of an earlier generation, Roger Hazelton, writes of “the dialogue between art and faith” (A Theological Approach to Art, 1967, p. 6). The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah both use the image of the potter and clay (Isaiah 64:8 and Jeremiah 18:1-4). In spite of the Iconoclastic Controversy in the Eastern Church in the 7th and 8th centuries and in spite of John Calvin’s concern that paintings or other artistic depictions could lead to idolatry, art of all kinds has had a powerful and lasting influence on the Christian faith for centuries, and the dialogue between the two continues.
Today many churches, including many in the bounds of the Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest, are graced with stained glass windows depicting stories from Scripture – Jesus with children, Jesus rescuing the lost sheep, Jesus standing at the door and knocking, among many others. In addition, there are some very moving paintings of biblical scenes by such artists as Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Matthias Grünewald, Piero della Francesca, Paul Rubens, to name only a few. Then there are woodcuts by Albrecht Dürer and stone sculptures above cathedral doors throughout Europe. How many have not been moved by Rembrandt’s painting “The Return of the Prodigal” or of Grünewald’s triptych “The Crucifixion”?
There’s a Presbyterian artist in our midst who specializes in wood, stone, and metal sculptures. Some are biblically inspired, many are not; but all, he says, are a reflection of his theological conviction that art is and has been part of his ministry. Rev. C. D. Weaver, a nonagenarian, was born in Hopewell, Virginia. A 1959 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary where he was awarded an academic fellowship, Weaver went to Europe where he studied under Karl Barth in Basel, Switzerland and at two other German universities. For 20 years he served a Presbyterian congregation in Gainesville, Florida during the 1960s and 1970s. He was instrumental in fostering a diverse and harmonious atmosphere in that congregation at a time when there was much civil unrest throughout the country. In 1983 he was called to Austin Seminary to serve as dean of students and pastor to students. He took medical retirement in 1999 at the age of 65 years. He ands wife live in Austin and worship at First Presbyterian Church. Many of his works are currently on display in the narthex and hallways of that church. It is remarkable that Weaver is entirely self-taught in his art work. He has had no formal training.
Weaver says that one of the tools he “found useful was using the arts as an additional or another kind of language to communicate the faith, to speak the unspeakable, and to express that which was beyond words and to reach beyond conditioned thought and acculturated rationality.” He “began to fashion works in metal, wood and stone as allies in ministry and not just as a personal hobby, a recreational or individual leisure-time pursuit, but as part of his ministerial calling and natural extension of church life and relations.”
The dialogue between art and faith, between art and theology continues. As we make history today and consider the various art forms by which the gospel is expressed and proclaimed – music, sculptures, paintings, stained glass, poetry, novels, plays –, we can truly give thanks for the gifts exhibited by these artists.
The Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest exists to “stimulate and encourage interest in the collection, preservation, and presentation of the Presbyterian and Reformed heritage” in the Southwest. If you are not a participating member of the Society and would like to become one, the annual dues are $20 per individual and $25 per couple. Annual institutional and church membership dues are $100. Checks may be made out to PHSSW and sent to:
PHSSW – 5525 Traviston Ct., Austin, TX 78738.
