When I have a terrible need of – shall I say the word – RELIGION. Then I go out and paint the stars.
Vincent Van Gogh
Even though you may see Van Gogh as a lunatic he had the vision to see religion for what we’ve made it. Look closely at the famous Starry Night painting. What is the most prominent building in the painting? The church! Now look at the details of the church, what’s missing? Look into the windows, the church is closed, cold and dark. Absent of life unlike the surrounding homes that glow with life.
Is Van Gogh’s impression of the church distorted or could he have seen beyond its facade? What about you, are the padded chairs, smoothly timed and rehearsed transitions, predictable one and a quarter hour services, climatic programing, parking lot attendants, coffee shops and book stores really what you are in need of? Don’t forget the telecasting onto the large screens in the sanctuary (I think its still called that), lobbies, rest areas, remote campuses and even coffee shops.
At what cost?
