Dismas - The Penitent Thief: An Introduction
By Mark Thomas Jones
The Christian Calendar is no stranger to analysis and debate, not least least because different churches and demoninations have often used it to asert and consolidate their identity. Some churches have made a point of asserting their otherness, something which to a point should be a matter of some regret. Whilst there is nothing wrong …
The Lenten journey is one that should take us within ourselves, such that we reflect on our conduct, deeds, and faith. We should be asking ourselves how we measure up to the type of person Jesus and various of the Prophets encouraged or directed us to aspire to. Inevitably in Lent contrasts are significant, as …
Historically one of the ways in which religious teachings were reinforced and underscored was by reminding the faithful of what would befall those who deviated from the godly path. The Bible is replete with stories that are meant to serve as a warning and object lesson, such that we are fearful, and make a concerted …
For the keen-eyed reader there will have been opportunity to notice certain associations in this book, one of which being that with the Czech Republic. Several of the works of art featured were produced by artists who hail from what is now the Czech Republic or are to be found there. Is this by accident …
It is right and proper that analysis and reflection on the events prior to, including, and after the Crucifixion should be Christ-centred. That said, throughout Christian history there have been those who in their fervent desire to focus on Jesus Christ have neglected that which gives His earthly life, ministry, death, and resurrection deeper meaning. …
In any exploration of Christian art, we need to be mindful of conventions and the conditioning that takes shape both with the composition of a work as well as those viewing of it. Sensitivities are such that certain depictions are considered off limits, with a genuine fear that artists and their patrons might be deemed …
Read moreThere is more to Dismas than how he is portrayed in art
The three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) have long had a problematic relationship with the portrayal of religious figures, with Islam taking a robust a doctrinaire approach, and Judaism mindful of the clear instruction to be found in the Book of Exodus (20:2-5); “I am the Lord your God, who broght you out of …
Read moreWhy have images of St. Dismas been destroyed down thE ages?
For most Christians, their first encounter with the figure variously known as the Good, Wise or Penitent Thief, and to others as Dismas or Saint Dismas is when he and a co-criminal are crucified either side of Jesus. From the point of view of an artistic composition Jesus Christ is made the focal point, with …
Any attempt to put an age on Dismas at the time of his execution, will almost certainly involve some exploration and discussion of the supposed encounter between him and the Holy Family during the event known as the Flight to Egypt. The Canonical Gospels make no mention of Dismas until the Crucifixion, and even then, …
Artistic portrayals of the Crucifixion have varied considerably down the ages. Some works have been stylised depictions, whilst others have attempted to be realistic with varying degrees of success. It is not uncommon to see artists of the Italian Renaissance painting the city walls and skyline of Jerusalem as if were Florence, Verona, or Mantua …
Read moreThe Knowledge Deficit of the Crucifixion impacts on artists just as it does the rest of us