RT Article
T1 The Use of Nails in the Crucifixion
JF Harvard theological review
VO 25
IS 1
SP 29
OP 45
A1 Hewitt, Joseph William
LA English
PB Cambridge Univ. Press
YR 1932
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1784639680
AB These words in criticism of Fra Lippo's vivid and realistic painting of sacred subjects admirably typify the attitude of theology to art. In the ages when the masses were still unable to read, the church took advantage of the work of the painter to impart instruction in the Bible stories. But after all, mere enlightenment is comparatively useless, sometimes even dangerous. It is always inferior to devotion. As long as the masses could be inspired by art to perform more fully their religious duties, so long was art rendering to the church the services that were its due. If the actual facts, even as recorded in the Scriptures, stood in the way of the theological object, they had to be neglected, obscured, or denied. If by a false depiction religious feeling were aroused, there could be no doubt as to the value of such depiction.
DO 10.1017/S0017816000001140