Discussion Questions

Introduction

1. What does it mean to be created in God's image?
2. Why do certain types of art appeal to some but not others?
3. If art is a form of communication, what problems may occur? Does man have problems interpreting God's creation?
4. Does all art have a message or interpretation? Do they all create an emotion?
5. How do we interpret clouds in the sky? As art, science, or something else?

Prehistoric Art

1. Study some of the cave paintings. What do you notice about the use of lines, simplicity/complexity, use of colors, use of available surface?
2. What level of intelligence did the artists have? Is this the work of primitive man? Is there a conflict between science and art?
3. What do you think the animal kingdom was like during this time period?
4. What does this tell us about migration or extinction?

Mesopotamian Art

1. During the building of the Tower of Babel, was God upset by man's technology, art, pride, or something else?
2. What prevents the world from having one common language today?
3. Can you name any other cultures who had structures similar to the ziggurats?
4. When Sadam Hussein rebuilt many of the historical structures like the Ziggurat of Ur-Nammu, he had his name imprinted in some of the bricks. Why do you think he did that?
5. Do you think Abram was under any pressure to worship the Mesopotamian gods? Why didn't he? What does this say about his monotheistic religion?
6. Which of their gods/goddesses do you find interesting? Did you notice the two associated with the "Great Flood?"
7. Did you notice the back of the Dagon figure? What humorous story happened in 1 Samuel 5?
8. Some atheistic scholars claim the book of Genesis came from Mesopotamian mythology. If one story is true and the other has been revised by each generation from the actual event until it was written, how can you tell which is which? (Hint: 2 Tim 3:16-17)

Egyptian Art

1. If the Egyptians maintained the original angle of the Bent Pyramid, what would have happened to it? What does this teach us about planning?
2. Khufu's pyramid was the tallest structure for two thousand years. Why do you think his son and grandson did not attempt to surpass it?
3. Which of the first four pharaoh statues displayed looks different from the others? Why do you think that is?
4. What does Exodus 3:13-15 have to do with Egyptian mythology?
5. The Egyptians were different in their mythology with their focus on the after-life. What may have influenced that?
6. Do you think the quantity of gods made the Egyptians feel superior to the Israelites? How do you think they felt as the ten plagues progressed?
7. Why do you think the exodus is not depicted in any of ancient Egypt's art?

Cretan Art

1. Do you think there may have been a connection between Cretan mythology and the events of Exodus 19:18; 32:1-4?
2. Do you think the Cretan Christians were religiously confused (Titus 1:14)?
3. By studying the Cretan plumbing, they appear technologically advanced. What other advances did they make? What does Matthew 6:19-20 say about this?

Greek Art

1. How does Isaiah 25:1-3 relate to Nebuchadnezzar's dream?
2. God is called the Alpha and Omega. Did time exist before the creation? Does God exist outside the boundaries of time?
3. What does Romans 13:1-2 say of God's planning?
4. For the Christians in Corinth, what impact did the Acrocorinth possibly have on them? (Matt 5:14)
5. What is the significance of 1 Cor 8:4-6?
6. Thinking back to the ziggurats, why do you think the Acrocorinth and Acropolis were built on hills? (John 4:20-24)
7. What does Isaiah 44:6-24 say about sculpture?

Roman Art

1. What importance did Roman technology have on the spread of the gospel (Mark 13:10; 16:15-16; Col 1:6)?
2. Many names of the Greek and Roman gods are now part of our culture, from science to fiction. How do you think that came about? Could the same reasoning be applied for Hades and Lucifer being used in the Bible?
3. How is time measured in Luke 3:1 and Acts 11:27-30?
4. What kind of architecture is described in Galatians 6:2-5, Job 22:14 and Amos 9:1,6? What is the significance to the symbolism?

Christian Art

1. During the reign of Constantine many who had formerly been involved in idolatry were converted to Christianity. Do you think that had any influence on art?
2. When the Acropolis was Christianized, how do you think the Church treated the former idols?
3. What is common between the basilica plan and your church building?
4. What importance did the Byzantine church put on baptism? Do you think they sprinkled?
5. How does Deuteronomy 6:9 tie in with the Romanesque movement?
6. Do you see anything in common between the gods of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Crete, Greece and Rome with the lists of Catholic Saints?

Modern Art

1. What could realists and impressionists see that the camera could not see?
2. How were the artists focus on medium instead of subject matter similar to the focus of Christians (think facades)?
3. Do you think van Gogh's Bible background gave him insight into the "Kingdom of Light"?
4. What is the real "Kingdom of Light"?
5. How is emotion part of art and worship?
6. How do people view religion today? As an external act or internal?
7. How does God want us to worship Him?