Pictures of Christ

[Karmelapplez]

Are there certain pictures of Christ that have been sanctioned by the Church? I never wondered before - but recently I purchased a picture off Amazon and when it arrived I couldn't look at it without feeling creeped out. Then I started to notice that all church buildings have basically the same few pictures.

I've resolved to buy only pictures from stores like Deseret Book, but I was just wondering if there was some kind of church rule or advisement.

[Guest]

I believe there are as far as what goes in church buildings. But you can have whatever you want in your house, of course. :) I have seen religious pictures that don't give me a good feeling. I wonder though if it's what we're used to vs. what we're not, in style.

I also stick with Deseret Book or the Distribution Center.

Edited March 11, 2013 by Eowyn

[Dravin]

I chalk it up to familiarity or style, a "that painting fits my mental image of Christ" thing.

[Wingnut]

...but recently I purchased a picture off Amazon and when it arrived I couldn't look at it without feeling creeped out.

Did you not see it before purchasing it? Weren't you creeped out by the image online? If not, what changed?

[pam]

Sometimes just seeing a thumb print of a painting and making a purchase based on that doesn't give the full effect as seeing it actually in person.

[MarginOfError]

Pictures being "sanctioned" by the Church probably has more to do with copyright and fair use than anything else.

[rayhale]

I would say that the Bishop(s) of the church building and probably even the Stake President needs to approve the paintings. I suggest that you ask them.

[MarginOfError]

I would say that the Bishop(s) of the church building and probably even the Stake President needs to approve the paintings. I suggest that you ask them.

And the Facilities Management group. In fact, I think they have more say than the bishop.

[NightSG]

And the Facilities Management group. In fact, I think they have more say than the bishop.

"Bishop, we really don't care that you think your cousin's oil-on-black-velvet crossover between The Last Supper and Dogs Playing Poker looks good in the entryway. It's just wrong."

[bytebear]

I don't like the more recent depictions of Jesus that seem popular in LDS culture right now. The jovial Jesus as I call it. It just seems too casual for the savor of the world. I know it's supposed to be personal but it just seem too irreverent to me especially when I grew up with the more stoic version. It's like seeing a bad remake of a classic movie.

I do love the art of the middle ages. If you are in LA, go to the Getty Center. They have an amazing collection of medieval art from churches, as well as many of the Illuminated Manuscripts. What's amazing is that you realize that for the illiterate of the day, these were their scriptures, telling the Bible stories in art.

[MsMagnolia]

"Bishop, we really don't care that you think your cousin's oil-on-black-velvet crossover between The Last Supper and Dogs Playing Poker looks good in the entryway. It's just wrong."

I so wanted the laugh button!!!