thulcandra.org

It occurs to me that this kind of blog is nothing easy. In part, it still lacks the kind of definition it needs to explain the kind of vision I have of what it could be. But it also lacks the kind of dialogue that I would like to see in it. So, let me begin with a few remarks.

This kind of a blog is partially about establishing a forum, in the much older sense of the word, from before we had computers. The point is that some part of this blog is a public discussion, freely accessible, with free opportunities for all to speak. However, we now speak about Religion from within a society that comprehends itself as largely secular, in the Charles Taylor sense, a society which is not linked by a common belief and religious practice. This makes this kind of a blog immensely challenging, since it acknowledges what may be seen as the divisive strands of our society. This blog causes difference to rise the forefront of our discussion. In short, this blog may ask its members to be so comfortable with themselves and their beliefs that they feel free to share them. And that, I must add, is certainly not easy for me. But when we discuss the role of Religion in the Arts, or the role of Arts in Religion, we must continually confront the fact that our own views of either will likely differ, and so the problems and solutions that we present to ourselves and others will likely be inaccessible to many people, and that in no small part.

Nevertheless, I believe that our society needs to confront the challenges presented by the two conceptualities (actualities ?) of Religion and Arts. I believe they are intensely inter-connected. That the two not only inform one another, but participate in one another. They share a region of near identity, perhaps actual identity. I wonder how any view of either can come close to satisfying my desire for the other.

So what I want to see this blog become is a public forum, a public gathering on the theme of Religion and Arts. I want to see the public feel free to post, even on the front page of this blog, their struggles, their hopes, even their fears as they cope with the co-presence of Religion and Arts in their lives.

This is a public space, and I ask that we respect one another. Even when respect means politely stating our disagreements.

The new site is up and running. Soon to be the new place for artistic samples of all kinds, where people can read and discuss the way they integrate their faith into their artistic endeavors.

And without further ado, welcome to Thulcandra.org!