A Theological Foundation for the Use of Artistic Mediums and Technology in Preaching and Evangelism
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Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research 2012 A Theological Foundation for the Use of Artistic Mediums and Technology in Preaching and Evangelism Jessica-Robyn Sarah Trevithick Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin Recommended Citation Trevithick, Jessica-Robyn Sarah, "A Theological Foundation for the Use of Artistic Mediums and Technology in Preaching and Evangelism" (2012). Dissertation Projects DMin. 132. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/132 This Project Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertation Projects DMin by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in the Andrews University Digital Library of Dissertations and Theses. Please honor the copyright of this document by not duplicating or distributing additional copies in any form without the author’s express written permission. Thanks for your cooperation. ABSTRACT A THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION FOR THE USE OF ARTISTIC MEDIUMS AND TECHNOLOGY IN PREACHING AND EVANGELISM by Jessica-Robyn S. Mayne Trevithick Adviser: Barry Gane ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Project Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: A THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION FOR THE USE OF ARTISTIC MEDIUMS AND TECHNOLOGY IN PREACHING AND EVANGELISM Name of researcher: Jessica-Robyn S. Mayne Trevithick Name and degree of faculty adviser: Barry Gane, PhD Date completed: December 2012 The Problem Can artistic forms and technology be utilized in making the biblical truth appear attractive in that it may attract the postmodern culture to Jesus? Postmodern preachers are cautious when it entails the use of interactive artistic mediums. Numerous Pastors choose to preach safe monologue sermons, resulting in bored congregants when it comes to many ineffectual three-point messages. Preaching isn’t just conveying God’s messages; instead it confronts listeners, in the same way Jesus used parables. God has already used these useful and operative techniques consequently; preachers of his word ought to use comparable effective methods in connecting their audiences to God, finishing the work of the Three Angels Message and the Great Commission. Method The diverse examples of art forms to humanity throughout the Bible conveyed by God exposes the preacher to a multitude of mediums, allowing them to move ahead boldly recognizing that art forms and technology are within God’s intention for preaching. Jesus dramatic narratives are not easily forgotten as he communicated the daily drama’s relating to his worldview. The message of redemption and love for the people surrounding him would have been lost without these artistic mediums. Therefore, a variety of technological and artistic mediums were presented to various congregations, including the non-use of artistic mediums to evaluate the effectiveness of art forms and technology by the preacher in preaching to the postmodern audience. Results Artistic genres and technological methods in preaching were shown to be more effective in connecting the audience to the sermon (p. 189), compared to the non-use of artistic genres and technology (p. 173). Art necessitates action; it is an instrumental element in how we communicate characterizing who the preacher is. The Bible is of itself art, enticing the reader from one artistic medium to the next, beneficially presenting Gods messages. Conclusions How should the preacher preach God’s words? Is it through the use of a stringed instrument, poetry or perhaps sculptures, carvings or architecture? Should it be through a song an eloquent speech or stain glass windows? Do we present it through drama, film or multimedia? “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1). These artistic expressions involved creative methods in the establishment of the world. “Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food…” (Gen 2:9 NIV). Not only did he make trees that were good for food, but they where pleasing to the eye. God’s messages to the world have included various art forms and natural technology (lightning, etc.) that are effective, powerful and memorable. Technology and artistic mediums have become reality in postmodern society. Without these mediums, preaching is far less effective, and fewer people are reached with God’s message, when these methods of communication cease to exist. Through artistic mediums and technological methods further successful preaching can be accomplished, reaching those in the twenty first century. Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary A THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION FOR THE USE OF ARTISTIC MEDIUMS AND TECHNOLOGY IN PREACHING AND EVANGELISM A Project Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Ministry by Jessica-Robyn Sarah Mayne Trevithick December 2012 © Copyright by Jessica-Robyn Sarah Mayne Trevithick 2012 All Rights Reserved A THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION FOR THE USE OF ARTISTIC MEDIUMS AND TECHNOLOGY IN PREACHING AND EVANGELISM A project dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Ministry by Jessica-Robyn S. Mayne Trevithick APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE: _________________________________ ______________________________ Adviser, Director, DMin Program Barry Gane Skip Bell ________________________________ ______________________________ Kenley Hall Dean, SDA Theological Seminary Denis Fortin ________________________________ ______________________________ Skip Bell Date approved Dedicated to Jesus—Yeshua who knew who I would be, before I was born. He chose me before the creation of the world; He knows my name. He demonstrated powerful preaching for me to follow, and showed how to love others. To my Heavenly Father, for loving me and giving me His all—Jesus, and the Holy Spirit for guiding me, in the passion of actively, and creatively, Preaching the Word. I hereby express my heartfelt indebtedness and sincere gratitude to the following people who provided consistent guidance, support and encouragement; Elizabeth Talbot who has been my superior, colleague, sister, friend, and mentor, all rolled into one, who believed in my calling and whose powerful support intrinsically directed me in becoming a Gospel Preacher. Barry Gane my Advisor who has given continual faithful support, encouragement, a resource and friend, who did not for a moment hesitate to assist and monitored this project. Ken Stout whose energetic, sparkling personality and encouragement, first taught me creativity in preaching. Kenley Hall who stepped in at the last minute and provided tools for completion of this project. My Parents, Anita and Richard who trained me in the ways of God and His word, and tearfully let me leave Australia to answer the call of God. My husband Eugene who provided love, and support while having the patience of Job. John Ennen who kept me healthy when I thought I was too sick to finish. Those, which are too many to name, who loved, believed, guided, financially assisted, and were emotionally there for me through its entirety, I love you all. ‘We preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord.’ 2 Corinthians 4:5. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS ........................................................................................ viii LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................ x Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 1 The Problem ............................................................................................. 1 The Purpose of the Dissertation ............................................................... 2 The Justification for the Dissertation ....................................................... 2 The Expectations for This Dissertation.................................................... 5 The Methodology of This Dissertation .................................................... 6 2. A REFLECTION OF THE USE OF ARTS IN SCRIPTURE AND CHURCH HISTORY ...................................................................................... 10 The Importance of Imagination ............................................................... 15 Creative Imagination ................................................................................ 17 Why Imagination Is Important ................................................................. 18 The Dramatic in Scriptural Narrative ...................................................... 22 The Use of Symbols ................................................................................. 26 Contemporary Challenges: The Mandate for Preaching .......................... 29 When Reason Is Not Enough ................................................................... 38 Philosophy of Preaching .......................................................................... 44 Implications for Contemporary Preachers ............................................... 48 Conclusion ............................................................................................... 49 3. A PROCLAMATION OF A HOLY GOD ...................................................... 51