Comparative Arts

We've been learning about the Renaissance in our homeschool studies. Right up my little alley. My minor was art history, so it's always fun to introduce the kids to something I love. Whether you're homeschooled or not, I recommend the BBC series The Private Life of a Masterpiece. Your local library probably has it.

Each episode of the series focuses on a particular piece of art. They tell you the whole story of the work. The artist, the history of the time period, how the work came to be made, and an in-depth analysis of the work itself. Meaning, motivation, and mechanics. The whole picture, so to speak. The episodes are absolutely fascinating. O.K., so I'm a nerd and any kind of documentary makes me drool, but these are truly well done.

I was a little hesitant about the episode centered on Da Vinci's The Last Supper. As I put in the DVD, I warned Lonna and Jared that the analysis of the painting might get woefully sidetracked. I braced myself for the need to edit the commentary. Adding in my reassurance that our faith doesn't believe Jesus had a sex life. Imagine my surprise when right at the beginning, one of the commentators said that he believed the most unfortunate thing that had ever happened to The Last Supper was the The Da Vinci Code! He shook his head in disapproval of the bestseller and blockbuster and how it took the focus off the true beauty and depth of the art. He moved on, never to speak of it again. Imagine that! Focusing on the actual masterpiece instead of fantastic speculations. I giggled with unbridled glee.

I know I won't be able to avoid the need to edit in our next study, though. The Reformation. I'm just at a loss. How do I teach about this time without bias? As Orthodox converts from Protestantism, we've lived both sides of the story. I see why the Reformation happened, and it makes me sad. My heart aches over the conflict that pushed the West even further from the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. It's no longer the story of the beginning of what I believe. It's like re-reading your favorite book and realizing that this time around, the ending suddenly changed.

I won't teach the Reformation like I would have a few years ago. Martin Luther isn't my hero anymore. But...he isn't the enemy either. I want to give them a balanced view of this time period. Not an easy thing to find a book on. The Reformation from a neutral point of view. Now I know what it feels like to live in a culture on the losing side of a war. When not only do people not agree with you, they don't even remember you exist.

At times like these, I see so profoundly how far I've gotten from the mainstream. I'm so different. I don't fit in or even want to. The bright lights have faded and the fast life no longer holds an appeal. The greater the distance I travel from the mainstream, the more I'm torn by two feelings. On the one hand, I'm more aware of the evil in the world. The selfishness, violence, immodesty of body and heart, greed and bigotry at every corner. It's everywhere, and it makes me feel frustrated, separate and closed. On the other hand, I'm overwhelmed with the goodness of the same people. The Good Samaritans, the war heroes, the average mother who keeps her cool when I lose mine, the average wife who forgives her husband when I hold a grudge, and the average woman who is more holy uncovered than I ever am covered. Those things make me feel humble, and that humility turns me to God.

Circumstances make me see the differences. Between me and you. Between me and God. When I teach my children, I want them to see how genuine love for mankind brings the differences together. Into a lovely painting. A masterpiece.