Can A Secular Institution (Or Person) Be Entrusted With A Christian Oeuvre? Poem by Daniel Partlow

Christian architects and artisans of another era,
Great monuments to Christ, their hearts and souls consigned
Their soul desire - to convey the Gospel to mankind.
To pilgrims they were far-away, but are we any nearer?

True the mighty bishops of the day saw fit to display their relics.
But people came not to see old bones, but to learn and atone.
And now we go to see the truth depicted in glass and stone.
We see the Gospel rendered with loving hands, great crafts angelic.

But many currators seem intent on dismissing the message.
Guides focusing on secular events, technique, or engineering genious.
Atheists masquerading as experts and misdirecting the pious.
What foreboding end does this presage?

When we take our children to see a Cathedral or an exhibition.
We want to focus on God's word as other Christians have conveyed.
Let not the truth in mosaic or painting be glossed over or betrayed.
Am I being too harsh by calling attention to this sedition?

When I look at a cathedral or a canvass what do I see?
Not impressive columns, or that which would make a mason proud.
Not someone's tomb, but the parables which Christ endowed.
Honor the creators by using, as they intended, the opportunity:

When standing in the presence of an image of Peter catching fish
Convey - yes teach - the Evangelical Commission of the Church.
We are to spread truth to everyone - that they may find who search.
The harvest is great yet reapers few, don't neglect His parting wish.


To the Tour Guides and Currators at St. Izak's, Spilled Blood,
the Hermitage Museum, and everywhere a Christian work of art exists.