First, on Bach

On this idea of Christian art displaying powerful theological statements, before I respond to Andy, I first wanted to point out something in Bach's Mass in B minor. I highly recommend each of you study this incredible piece. And, by the way, Ken Meyers did a long discussion about the piece on Mars Hill Audio Journal one time. (It is very good, I've got it if you want to borrow it).

Bach's mass is constructed into 5 parts (just like any Mass). The central part (the 3rd one) is the portion whereby he puts the Apostle's creed to music (the fundamental tenet's of our faith). Within this central piece, it is divided into further 5 pieces. The central one of these again (the 3rd one) is the line from the creed, "was crucified, dead, and buried". Finally, and I don't understand this part fully, but Ken discusses how musically Bach created these musical "arches" that go high then low then highest, then low again, then high.

Thus, you have the crucixion of Jesus Christ as the central phrase, within the central piece, atop the central arch, within the central portion of the whole mass. Quite a theological statement Bach is making right there, merely in his construction of the Mass in B minor. Bach claims that the crucifixion is the central thought in all of Christian theology. I was deeply affected by this theological idea expressed to me in this musical manner by my brother Bach when I first encountered it... exactly what "art" is supposed to do.

Perhaps this can serve as a light intro into my big fat post that is about to come...