(VIDEO) Is Mormon Art also Christian Art? Cartoonmaker shares their account
ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By Tahlib
I am a fan of Mormon artist, Arnold Friberg who died in 2010. I am also a big fan of the advertising campaign, "I am a Mormon" sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, but I am puzzled by the Mormon assertion that they are Christians. Jeremiah Films, the maker of a cartoon version (above) of the Mormon history obviously has it out for the faith, but as a past visitor to an LDS history center in Salt Lake City, much of the cartoon interpretation rings true (as do most myths, lies and distortions).
My intention today though is not to judge whether Mormonism is a real or fake religion (it is real for them, which is enough for me, and they have their own films to support it), but instead my intention is to explore its adherence to the Christian Bible so as to determine the proper way to categorize them in Alpha Omega Arts. Arnold Friberg's Book of Mormon paintings at the LDS Center in Salt Lake City are a great example of why I believe they should not be grouped under Christianity in Art, but as a new and seperate category.
It is certainly clear that most Christian Art could certainly be grouped under Mormonism, as could much of Jewish (old Testament-based) and some Islamic Art, but the reverse is not true -- just as is the case with Jewish and Islamic Art.
By Tahlib
I am a fan of Mormon artist, Arnold Friberg who died in 2010. I am also a big fan of the advertising campaign, "I am a Mormon" sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, but I am puzzled by the Mormon assertion that they are Christians. Jeremiah Films, the maker of a cartoon version (above) of the Mormon history obviously has it out for the faith, but as a past visitor to an LDS history center in Salt Lake City, much of the cartoon interpretation rings true (as do most myths, lies and distortions).
My intention today though is not to judge whether Mormonism is a real or fake religion (it is real for them, which is enough for me, and they have their own films to support it), but instead my intention is to explore its adherence to the Christian Bible so as to determine the proper way to categorize them in Alpha Omega Arts. Arnold Friberg's Book of Mormon paintings at the LDS Center in Salt Lake City are a great example of why I believe they should not be grouped under Christianity in Art, but as a new and seperate category.
It is certainly clear that most Christian Art could certainly be grouped under Mormonism, as could much of Jewish (old Testament-based) and some Islamic Art, but the reverse is not true -- just as is the case with Jewish and Islamic Art.
Comments
I also think we should be consistent in letting all Christian-themed works be presented in the Christianity in Art category such as the Popsicle Jesus work of Sebastian Errazuriz. It feels consistent. Our position is not that these are not "Christian (certified) Art" but instead, Artwork that explores Christianity.
Another example of maintaining such consistency is the work by Keith Haring featuring the Jewish Golden Calf, and while he was a Christian, we chose to feature it under the "Judaism in Art" category.
I will however agree to moving Mormon Art out of the Christianity in Art category if they should ever self-identify as "not" Christians. At that point, we will move LDS artwork to the "Interfaith Mix" category."
I'd love to hear from anyone who disagrees or has an even better suggestion?
Back then Huckabee was vilified by Mitt Romney and the LDS Church for doing so but he still made the Brotherly connection between Jesus & Lucifer explicit, and the conservative newspaper WND verified the facts of the accusation: "the official website of the LDS church explicitly makes the sibling connection between Jesus and Lucifer a matter of official Mormon doctrine."
Much has also been written about Mormon artist Arnold Friberg's frustrated attempts to illuminate the story of Mormonism through his paintings. I find their clarity powerful and inspiring, and over time it seems that LDS Church leaders have also grown to embrace their clarity and artistic merit since they are now on view in official LDS spaces.
Based on a history of prejudice in this country, it is somewhat understandable why Mormon leaders sometimes appear to shy away from putting a spotlight on their differences with traditional Christianity. However, there should be no shame in difference and in being clear about them. I applaud Jewish leaders as well as the Islamic leaders who are frank about their differing perspectives on Jesus, and I am grateful to Friberg, as well as Huckabee and the makers of this cartoon for helping to bring new understanding.
Highlighting our similarities and our differences helps us to understand one another better, and full disclosure does more to reduce religious fear and bigotry than avoiding the issue.
http://www.wnd.com/2007/12/45027/