The Church as Culture

[Ernie]

In what ways did early Anabaptists embrace creative expression and the arts?

Hutterite faience is one example from the 16th century. Not just for their own use, it was produced for sale and was very popular among the Moravian nobility. Here are some examples on display at the Täufermuseum Niedersulz.

So this would be similar to making quilts and aesthetically pleasing furniture today, correct?

[barnhart]

If we can include Moravians, then look at the cabinet and furniture of the Roentgens. They furnished the palaces of Europe and their work is in museums around the world.

[Praxis+Theodicy]

I find this interesting. Do you think Anabaptism in general has a creative/arts problem?

I don't think so; at least, not Anabaptism at its core. Maybe some of the things Anabaptism has gathered into its nest is more to blame for that problem, if/where it exists. Like fundamentalism.

In what ways did early Anabaptists embrace creative expression and the arts?

I am not aware of anything in particular. The main contribution seems to be a rejection of the aspect of arts that drives social heirarchies: art that is only accessible to a certain class of people, or art that specifically signifies and identifies oneself as higher than others; these things were rejected as Anabaptists (similar to Quakers) sought to create solidarity with the poor.
This was mostly expressed in clothing and household decoration, and is largely what is meant by "plain" culture. It's a rejection of social heirarchy and pomp/pride. Art can be (in fact, often is) used as a tool to both these ends, and the Anabaptists rejected forms of creativity that were used in this way.

I recall a quote where a man asked an anabaptist tailor to make him a coat that would give him pride, and the tailor responded "What would you do with pride? Don't you know God will punish lride?"

[JohnL]

I’ve always admired the beautiful craftsmanship of furniture made by communities of believers. Some of the Amish furniture has a simple elegance. I like the shaker style too.

[barnhart]

:

Which is extremely frustrating given the extraordinary artistic heritage that Christianity possesses.

What is the missing belief or philosophy.

Good question. I suspect it has something to do with the effort required to access and build on our artistic heritage. People take the path of least resistance (and I don't necessarily blame them as individuals for it).

I wonder if the pressure to tone down individual expression creates an atmosphere where the arts do not flourish.

[Ken]

I’ve always admired the beautiful craftsmanship of furniture made by communities of believers. Some of the Amish furniture has a simple elegance. I like the shaker style too.

It is craftsmanship for sure.

But not really artistic if it is simply the same designs repeated over and over for generations.

[joshuabgood]

:

Which is extremely frustrating given the extraordinary artistic heritage that Christianity possesses.

What is the missing belief or philosophy.

The primacy of the protestant work ethic.

Yes...utility is not the primary value. The value of beauty and the goodness it brings, and glory to God it demonstrates, is highly valued.

To some, such is *wasteful* and other more productive things should be done with the time and money.

[Ernie]

I don't think so; at least, not Anabaptism at its core. Maybe some of the things Anabaptism has gathered into its nest is more to blame for that problem, if/where it exists. Like fundamentalism.

In what ways did early Anabaptists embrace creative expression and the arts?

I am not aware of anything in particular. The main contribution seems to be a rejection of the aspect of arts that drives social heirarchies: art that is only accessible to a certain class of people, or art that specifically signifies and identifies oneself as higher than others; these things were rejected as Anabaptists (similar to Quakers) sought to create solidarity with the poor.
This was mostly expressed in clothing and household decoration, and is largely what is meant by "plain" culture. It's a rejection of social heirarchy and pomp/pride. Art can be (in fact, often is) used as a tool to both these ends, and the Anabaptists rejected forms of creativity that were used in this way.

I recall a quote where a man asked an anabaptist tailor to make him a coat that would give him pride, and the tailor responded "What would you do with pride? Don't you know God will punish [p]ride?"

So then what is your problem (if you have one) with present day Plain Anabaptists view of the arts?

[Praxis+Theodicy]

So then what is your problem (if you have one) with present day Plain Anabaptists view of the arts?

Any "problem" I have is both personal (it's a problem I have, more than a problem that exists objectively) and minimal (it's not an issue of primary importance). Mainly it's just that I like a lot of artistic expression... not just because it's entertaining, but because it is interesting, thought provoking, and carries truth in its message more effectively than direct communication can. If I say I appreciate film as an art form, I'm talking about Children of Men or Grave of the Fireflies, not Star Wars or Superman. When I say I like musical and lyrical expression, I'm talking about mewithoutYou and The Psalters, not Michael Jackson or The Beatles.
Basically, "sweeping" bans on media tend to clear out a LOT of dirt from our lives, but they sweep a few precious gems into the trash bin. My problem is more with the results of that throughout the last couple centuries, more than the practice itself. The culture it produces is missing something that I've always appreciated. Creative expressions in the anabaptist tradition tend to be old and overly pragmatic. Other than pottery, furniture, and quilts, what other staples of artistic expression has our tradition become known for?

[PeterG]

Creative expressions in the anabaptist tradition tend to be old and overly pragmatic. Other than pottery, furniture, and quilts, what other staples of artistic expression has our tradition become known for?

Congregational and choral singing. And composers such as Wendell Glick and Lyle Stutzman are writing excellent music for both congregations and choirs.