Starry Night

I recently started reading a great book called “Divine Commodity” by Skye Jethani. This work attempts to reveal the pitfalls of consumerism quenching our thirst for imagination and perspective, and thus far, does a fantastic job of it.

Jethani utilizes the perspective and works of nineteenth century Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh to illustrate many of his thoughts. Most of us have seen van Gogh’s most famous painting, an oil on canvas konwn as The Starry Night.

Now, I’d seen this several times, myself and thought it to be dreadfully uninspiring. I never much like impressionism, so I was already fighting an uphill battle. The winds and clouds seemed uninvolved in the rural countryside below, the sun was dreadful, and it just really didn’t evoke any emotions.

Jenthani pointed out something that has made me revisit this infamous painting with reverence and awe. Look at the buildings in this painting and look for something…missing.

Here is the church.
Here is the steeple.
Open the doors.
Lighting no people.

van Gogh

In the midst of a typical night, with God’s lights up above shining bright over a village, one building that should be reflecting the light like a bicycle reflector is more dark than the rest of the community.

One might immediately think, “Well, of course. The church is empty because everyone is at home.” But van Gogh seemed to have other ideas as he sought to “tell it slant.”

“When I have a terrible need of-shall I say the word-religion, then I go out and paint the stars.” -Vincent van Gogh

van Gogh made a habit of hanging out on a hillside, glaring at the open sky. Perhaps this perch was his source of imagination and creativity. But looking now at this painting, I have a new respect for it. When an artist exposes the truth of a culture, brings conviction, and makes those of his particular religion seek to fix their wrong, there’s a word for it. A word most contemporary Christians would much rather ascribe to a televangelist raising money for bigger sets, fancier limos, and a still darkened faith (despite its bordering fraud and manipulation).

Prophet.

Starry Night