Art to Heart Invitation

Gustave Moreau: St. George and the Dragon

©2002 by Jeff Dugan

The story of Saint George and the Dragon is the classic fairy tale.  A medieval town is menaced by a horrible beast that has come to devour the lovely princess.  Suddenly the brave, heroic knight in shining armor appears on his gallant steed and rescues the princess by slaying the beast.  The Catholic church seized the image of the Christ figure defeating evil and saving mankind.  Add that to the dramatic appeal of the story, and it’s easy to see why it was such a popular subject for medieval artists.

This is not a medieval painting, though.  It was created in 1889.  But what’s surprising about that?  Every age needs a hero to save it from evil.  But in 1889, the western world was certain that machinery, science, and industry would be that hero.  While most artists of the time were working with the beginnings of modern art, Moreau looked back to the medieval past, before the age of reason introduced by the Renaissance.  His art issued a unique call against misplaced faith in technology and encouraged people to recall the richness of the time when life’s uncertainties were more immediate and required a faith in a supernatural God.

It’s a similar crossroads to the one in which the young nation of Israel found itself.  Threatened by the Philistine dragon, they sought protection in an earthly hero they could keep with them all the time, and lay their hands on when they needed him.  This despite the success of the old days when they had no such option, and relied only upon a God they could not control. 

In 1889, Moreau’s warning was not heeded, until the horrors of two World Wars showed that science and machines could destroy as well as provide.  In ancient Israel, misplaced faith in earthly kings reached its peak in the crowd that chanted, “We have no king but Caesar.”  Today we have our own dragons and no shortage of would-be rescuers. 

Have you trusted any of the “comfortable” saviors?  Money?  Education?  Politics?  Military power?  Technology?  Political correctness?  A good job?  They all have their positive points, but have you found one that truly meets all of your needs?  Have you found one that satisfies the fundamental yearning for meaning at the depth of your soul?  There is a Savior who can truly save you, but unlike the other saviors, He’s not one you can carry around in your pocket like a lucky charm.

Which savior will you choose?  Will you trust one you think we can control, or the One who is ­in­ control?