MatterCon Recap 1: Trey Allen

Last week I was at MatterCon ’09: A Theological Creativity Event featuring Pete Rollins and presented by Shechem Ministries at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX.  I am recapping the event by publishing my notes for your fondest enjoyment.

Trey Allen, "Romans 12:1-2 A Call and Guide for Artists within a Community"

Romans 12:1-2 should be understood communally

All bodies together make one sacrifice

Respond to the gospel in a common way, think about the gospel with a common mind.

There must be a communal interpretation.

We should submerge all of reality into the kingdom of Christ, into the gospel.

Transform is to change from the sinful age to the age to come.

The individualistic spiritual formation does not tell us we are called to be responsible for our fellow brothers and sisters.

There is no indication vv. 1-2 are supposed to be interpreted as individualistic and separate from the context of Romans, which is community.

Baptize the whole in the gospel.

The artists participate in the whole reprogramming of the community, making art that guides Christians to the age to come, away from "this world."

This passage recalls the Day of Atonement.

This is a holistic act where all believers respond in forgiveness.

The community is moving away from gospel centered art because of cliche and consumerism in Christian art.

Our art should find a home in a community that is being renewed.

We should go to church to experience forgiveness holistically.

The artist must help the community by producing art that leads the community into the eschatological kingdom of Christ.

This applies to all vocations.

An effect of the Church’s enslavement to the Enlightenment is its demurring of art since it leads to multiple interpretations.

————-

I very much enjoyed Trey’s discussion.  He is an excellent, enthusiastic speaker who was able to kick of the discussion of art and theology in a meaningful and thoughtful way.