One of the overwhelming experiences of the trip was the art. Sculptures, statues, paintings, tapestries – you name it, we saw it. In Roma, especially the Vatican Museum, Sistene Chapel, & Basilica of St. Pete’s, you couldn’t walk more than 10 feet without seeing something, somewhere that just took your breath away.

It got almost humorous, & we had a fun time with it. In one hall (out of many) where several hundred sculptures and statues were stored, we found sign describing just who/what the statues were supposed to be of… the sign said, “This is someone or something.” Good times.

Thinking about art – (and, by the way, I know how generally I am speaking here. bear with me…) and how these various expressions made by people, often in the name of God, for buildings where God is worshiped, to bring glory to God. It sems that artistic, creative, expression has largely been lost in the church. Like there’s no place for the art & the makers of art within the church anymore. As a result, artisans display their wares in studios & exhibition halls. The art has become degradingly self-indulgent, ala Romans 1 & the NEA… makes me wonder. It’s not like I have a bunch of answers to this – just a lot of questions, like: