The earliest Christian art is...
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The earliest Christian art is found in the Catacombs. Reaching across cultural lines in
their art, Christ is sometimes represented as the Greek Orpheus. In Greek mythology,
Orpheus was the superbly endowed musician whose music cast a thrilling spell over all
who heard his music. In the legend, Apollo has endowed upon him the lyre, which
Hermes had invented. So marvelously did he play the instrument that when his fingers
touched the lyre the beasts of the field drew near. Birds stopped their flight and other
things of nature gathered in awe around him.
Tradition told that even the scarred faces of rocks were moved to tears. When he sang of love, the world was filled with sunlight, and even the wildest beast became tame and gentle.
Thus, early Christians thought of Christ as gentle, yet having great power. They felt his drawing power. Having him in their hearts he transfigured them. As did Orpheus, he transfigures nature and by the music given in our hearts he transfigured human nature. By his presence the low and bestial instincts are changed to be gentle, obedient, and Christlike. Be in tune today with the song he gives!
Tradition told that even the scarred faces of rocks were moved to tears. When he sang of love, the world was filled with sunlight, and even the wildest beast became tame and gentle.
Thus, early Christians thought of Christ as gentle, yet having great power. They felt his drawing power. Having him in their hearts he transfigured them. As did Orpheus, he transfigures nature and by the music given in our hearts he transfigured human nature. By his presence the low and bestial instincts are changed to be gentle, obedient, and Christlike. Be in tune today with the song he gives!
