Introduction to Theology
Haggerty Museum of Art Visit
November 5, 2014
Name ______________________________
During the first half of our course we worked on the skill of theological interpretation by
interpreting biblical texts and their contexts. We looked to history, cultural backgrounds and
grammatical meaning to interpret Scripture.
Of course, art is also a matter for interpretation, including theological interpretations. We may even
say that art, in particular, provokes us to broaden and deepen our interpretive (hermeneutical)
abilities. This worksheet will ask you to use your interpretive skills as part of your visit to the
Haggerty.
Type this assignment, and turn it in at the beginning of class on Wednesday, November 12th.
Use this sheet to take notes and start drafting your responses to these questions.
You are welcome to return to the Haggerty as you complete this worksheet. The Haggerty’s website
is: http://www.marquette.edu/haggerty/index.shtml
1. (4 points) In theology, tradition is important. As we addressed tradition in class, it contains
the idea of the content of faith as well as the passing down of faith, among other ideas. In
the passing down of tradition, there are always continuities and discontinuities. The Haggerty
exhibition Yangtze – The Long River draws upon continuities and discontinuities in Chinese
culture. Pick one photograph from Nadav Kander displayed in the exhibition. Interpret the
photograph and compare it to an instance of continuity and discontinuity in the history of
Christianity – whether the latter is something we have addressed in class or is an additional
instance from Christian history.
2. (4 points) Communities are essential to religion. The Haggerty exhibition Looking at
Communities from an Art Museum displays a variety of works of art from the Museum’s
permanent collection which speak to some matter or another about the human in
community. Pick one of these works and address what you interpret to be the meaningful
aspects of the work which could be understood as religious or spiritual aspects, broadly
construed.
3. (2 points) The Book of Hours (ca. late-15th c.) offers us an example of an object where
Christian spirituality and art are combined in a single object. Think about a contemporary
object where spirituality and art are combined, Christian or otherwise, and explain how it
functions. Compare it to how this Book of Hours might have been used in the Late Medieval
Era.