Reactions to Illuminating the Word: The Saint John’s Bible

September 14 - The exhibition Illuminating the Word:  The Saint John’s Bible wrapped up on Sunday, July 3rd.  However, comments and reactions continue to pour in regarding the exhibition.  A docent at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, recorded the public's reactions and comments. Here are some of the comments.

"Divine intervention put Donald Jackson together with St. John’s."

"Their gift to the millennium."

"The difference between seeing the St. John’s Bible in person vs. a book is like seeing a real person instead of a photograph."

"Of course it would be wonderful.  Donald Jackson has been thinking about it since he was a boy!"

"Eve looks very mischievous."

"The gold is an uplifting swirl."

"The endings of each of the Psalms is uplifting."

"It’s like the song lights up the nothingness."

"The Commandments that are in pieces are the harder ones to keep."  (A priest)

"Jacob is so small compared to the ladder.  The ladder is awesome compared to him."

"How interesting that someone who can do such controlled, detailed calligraphy has such an opposite side with these broad, free stroke in his drafts."

"That ox looks menacing; larger than life."

"How did they pin that butterfly to the paper?"  (Second grader about the monarch)

"I like Jesus shown as gold.  He can look like anyone."

"I like him because he looks like he is more from history: medieval.  I like to see Jesus’ face detailed.

"The sins of omission are larger than the other sins."

"There is gold(God) in the World Trade Centers."

"It’s good not to always see a blond and blue eyed Jesus."

"I like the icon like art.  It reminds me of the Bible….it’s familiar and makes it easy for me to picture."

As one group looked at Life in Community someone pointed and said to a Sister; “Look there you are sitting at the table.”  She moved close and just stared.  Then she cried.

“I thought when I was going ‘oh, yes, this will be nice’; never knowing it would be a faith journey.”

Comments from Religious Leaders

“This fantastic beautiful new writing of God’s word speaks from the past to searchers and listeners for God’s constant presence in our journey to new revelations.  As we journey into a new and deeper fascinating vision of the truth of God’s eternal work we contemplate anew the deep mystery of God.”   ~ Michelle McGarran, OSB

“An unbelievable opportunity to view the Bible with new eyes, with an exceptional ecumenical stance. We are privileged to become a part of the process of this encompassed so many disciplines, the ancient and modern – all to the glory of God.” ~ Noulyn Stalheim, Westwood Lutheran St. Louis Park.

“`. . . and unto ages of ages.’ This phrase punctuates nearly every prayer in the Eastern Orthodox tradition and it serves to remind us of the eternal quality of our worship and the ever lasting glory of the God who united himself to us in love. To fix our gaze upon these illumined texts in prayerful contemplation is to join with generations yet unborn in a common devotion to God the word who speaks `now and ever and unto ages of ages’”.  ~ Fr. Robert McMeekni, Holy Cross Orthodox Church. 

“Continuity of life --the connectedness of life throughout history — the life of God’s WORD: hand to hand, hand to eye, eye to heart — reverberating all seeking souls into the living song, amen!”  ~ M. Karbon

“Why visit?  If you follow history, you will learn.  If you appreciate art, you will be enlightened.  If interested in process and technology, you will marvel.  If you are a believer, you will leave humbled, inspired, and nourished. “ ~ Paul Rogers, Christ Church Lutheran

“This exhibit is one of only a small number of truly historic events of our time.  It brings the words of the Bible straight into my (or one’s) heart through interpretive art.” ~ Mary Morrow

“God is on every page.” ~ Rev Holly Aastuen

“Evocative images that capture the emotions and power in the scripture.” ~ Andy Kennedy

“The art of The Saint John’s Bible gives the viewer/reader insights into the texts that may not have been understood before.” ~ Gretchen Milloy, United Theological Seminary

“God uses many ways to express grace, faithfulness and loving kindness. Seeing the methods of illumination was inspiring. Seeing the sensitivity to differences as well as sameness illustrated in the magnificent art work is another step towards reconciliation and unity.” ~ Pat Sampson 

“This exhibit is an awesome confirmation of the power of the written word of God to illuminate our place in creation. I am struck by the collaborative genius of this work which only comes out of a gathered community.” ~ Trinitarian grad. Student, Michaeleen Swanson, (Grad student of Saint John’s.

“The illumination of The Saint John’s Bible is just that . . . illuminating, enlightening, a bright light into our faith.” ~Gaith Sehunacher, Union Congregational UCC of River, MN

“It makes the word of God come to life in new and relevant ways, seeing the results of the thought behind this artistic work of love from these artistic and religious communities was inspiring. It’s an amazing gift to the Christian community and to the wider human community. Thanks to God.” ~ Lynda Thompson, Incarnation Lutheran Church.

“The Illuminating seems to bring God (a new) into our midst. The word is alive among us. Not just flat words – words & pictures filled with life.” ~Rev. Doris Weber, Glendorado Lutheran Church ELCA, Princeton, MN

“It is often said that Christianity is a religion of the Book. The Book is the basis of the Church’s proclamation of the Word. An illuminate Bible, like The Saint John’s Bible, adds the dimensions of vision and color. Anyone who reads the Book and listens to the word will be enriched by viewing the illumination.” ~Robert Brunic, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. 

“The illuminations connect traditional imagery (from earlier illuminations and the images we individually have formed in our mind’s eye) with contemporary themes and real-life experiences – to form images which transcend the ages. The Bible reflects many view points.”  ~Rodney Allen Schwartz  

“As both a theologian and an avid art patron, I have never been as spiritually and emotionally moved. I actually felt a physical interaction with the art – a 3-D experience. Too awesome to describe.  This had to be God.” ~Lynn Schelibche/ Pastoral Associate Church of the Visitation

 “It is a work of art inspired by God. The observer experiences the movement of God in the hands of the scribes & illuminators.” ~Sr.  Penny Dinn, OSF, Sister of St. Traneis 

“The BEST way- to do scripture study, - to become acquainted with scripture (for those with limited scripture background), - to experience the interaction of art + scripture, spirituality, - to experience the creative process, - to be inspired, illuminated.” ~Sister Lois Anne Palkert, Immaculate Conception