Over the years, I must have seen thousands of paintings, sculptures, depictions of God, Jesus, saints, Biblical characters. I don't ever recall seeing anyone smiling or laughing. Since joy and humor are so integral to being human, I wonder why.
I do, of course, realize gloominess isn't limited to Xtianity (I love Bodhidharma's ill-temperedness!), just that it's the religion in which I've seen most works of art.
2007-04-21 07:45:37 · 23 answers · asked by barry 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Love all these answers, but I was blown away by
http://www.kendraburton.com/kendra%20burton%20images/kendra%20burton%20art%20jesus%20smiles%205x7-60.jpg
Talk about the exception proving the rule!
2007-04-21 08:42:47 · update #1
I've never noticed that before, but now that I think about it you're correct.
There are many works that focus on the anger and judgment of God, rather than His love and forgiveness - the core belief of Christianity.
You'd think that there would be more works that focus more on those aspects of God, rather than trying to scare people into Heaven.
Good point.
God bless.
2007-04-21 07:52:50 · answer #1 · answered by The Watcher 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it's a serious religion, as are all the Abrahamic religions. I'd be willing to bet if someone painted a portrait of Jesus with a big grin they'd be persecuted by the Christians!
2007-04-21 15:31:15 · answer #2 · answered by Jade 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the Christian art that you see is from a certain period of time when everybody looked gloomy. More recent artwork shows Jesus laughing or smiling.
2007-04-21 14:52:38 · answer #3 · answered by kitty21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The artists were at the beck and call of gloomy priest, bishops and Popes.
2007-04-21 14:52:54 · answer #4 · answered by Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Come to think about it, I've NEVER seen a portrait of Jesus smiling.
This might be the best point I've read here all week. Kudos.
2007-04-21 14:49:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, a lot of Christians seem to be like that---particularly the ones who attended the churches I used to go to. A lot of them seem to be overly fixated on all that burning Hell stuff, too. Like "Do this, this, this, this, and this or else you'll burn in Hell, where there is weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth!"
Really uplifting, eh?
2007-04-21 14:51:04 · answer #6 · answered by I'm Still Here 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your family history was drenched in the blood of others; Wouldn't YOU be gloomy?
2007-04-21 14:52:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most 'christians' I've met are gloomy people. Maybe it's life imitating art!
2007-04-21 14:53:33 · answer #8 · answered by Pandora 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
christianity is not gloomy it is full of Joy. it seems the artists are painting the wrong picture.
2007-04-21 14:51:51 · answer #9 · answered by Mim 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We "Christians" are not all gloomy...admittedly, we do take life more seriously than many others,however....check out my avatar....hangs head in shame...I am just so silly.
2007-04-21 14:51:49 · answer #10 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋