18 Comments

It’s pretty wild that we often have to defend the weird things about our faith...instead of just embracing it. Thank you for how much this gives me courage in releasing a very strange poetry work into the world.

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Yes to holy weirdness! Intuitive terrain for poets.

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Although I'm not an artist myself, I am a Christian who dislikes (strongly) most contemporary Christian art (and fiction) as anodyne, insipid, and sentimental. I'm greatly encouraged by you! Keep it up!

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I feel this so deeply. I used to live in Hamilton (ON), and there was such a great arts/Christian arts scene. Now, do to circumstances beyond my control, I’m on the rural PA/NY border, and I’ve gone from “the conservative guy” to “the crazy and possibly dangerous artsy guy”. I am starved for intelligent and curious Christians and other artists to talk with! Funny how a change of context makes you realize just how “weird” your art apparently is.

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Thank you bundles. I so appreciate these thoughts and look forward to discovering more of your world. We share a love for weirdness, you have given me a holy rationale to join you in the quest!

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A good word. Thank you for being one of the border-stalkers.

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‘I struggle on the lonely road of non-conformity to the monolithic Christian arts culture.’ Standing in solidarity, brother.

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Yes…when we see the ‘weird’, the humor, the paradox, the levity that objectively exist in Scripture and in our journey with Christ, when this joins with the earnest gravity of it all….we feel more whole; and God feels more near. Maybe you’re not as alone as it seems, and there’s more Christian’s who see and think like you, but we’re not yet making our voices heard enough. I also love Bible Project!

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Yes! We are not called to stay in our comfort zone. Creativity in any form is there to push boundaries of thought and experience in our journey of faith. So long as Christ is central for the christian creative, we need meat not more milk.

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Thanks for your essay. You have wonderful points here and happy to learn about you and your art.

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I remember reading this back when Ekstasis published it on the website. Incredible stuff, and beautifully written! Thankful for artists in the church.

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Excellent stuff

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wonderful write...beautiful art...thank you for sharing

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Holy weirdness… oh yes! Here for it.

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Oh man, thank God, this goes so hard, and we need more of it.

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Thank you. I began painting intentionally late in life and found an unexpected community of artists who understood the need for this expression. Oddly (to me) very few of the many Christians I know and fellowship with have any interest at all. My ministry and community are not where I thought they would be.

Take a look at my Instagram page if you're interested: charlotteswork.com

Charlotte Cooper

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Your link doesn't seem to work

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