Over the years, I must have seen thousands of paintings, sculptures, depictions of God, Jesus, saints, Biblical characters. I don’t ever recall seeing anyone smiling or laughing. Since joy and humor are so integral to being human, I wonder why.
I do, of course, realize gloominess isn’t limited to Xtianity (I love Bodhidharma’s ill-temperedness!), just that it’s the religion in which I’ve seen most works of art.
Love all these answers, but I was blown away by
http://www.kendraburton.com/kendra%20burton%20images/kendra%20burton%20art%20jesus%20smiles%205×7-60.jpg
Talk about the exception proving the rule!
there should be more happy pictures of happy biblical characters, i think
well, it’s full of people with low self-esteem, seeking righteousness and a purpose in life from imaginary cult characters.
what did you expect?
Jesus, Rocks…<><
I’m smiling as I type this… You know why?
Jesus Loves You & Me!
Come to think about it, I’ve NEVER seen a portrait of Jesus smiling.
This might be the best point I’ve read here all week. Kudos.
i wonder why too.
that is because thay all want to die and go to fairy tale heaven as quick as thay can
Yeah, a lot of Christians seem to be like that—particularly the ones who attended the churches I used to go to. A lot of them seem to be overly fixated on all that burning Hell stuff, too. Like “Do this, this, this, this, and this or else you’ll burn in Hell, where there is weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth!”
Really uplifting, eh?
your thinking of the catholics with the saints and things,they are always trying to scare you it seems
religions in general only show you the road to inner happiness and joy…not to demonstrate it.
We “Christians” are not all gloomy…admittedly, we do take life more seriously than many others,however….check out my avatar….hangs head in shame…I am just so silly.
christianity is not gloomy it is full of Joy. it seems the artists are painting the wrong picture.
those images come from men and religeon … Christianity is actually all about light and good things …
Most of the Christian art that you see is from a certain period of time when everybody looked gloomy. More recent artwork shows Jesus laughing or smiling.
If your family history was drenched in the blood of others; Wouldn’t YOU be gloomy?
I’ve never noticed that before, but now that I think about it you’re correct.
There are many works that focus on the anger and judgment of God, rather than His love and forgiveness – the core belief of Christianity.
You’d think that there would be more works that focus more on those aspects of God, rather than trying to scare people into Heaven.
Good point.
God bless.
The artists were at the beck and call of gloomy priest, bishops and Popes.
Most ‘christians’ I’ve met are gloomy people. Maybe it’s life imitating art!
because having fun is a sin in christianity.
God created man in the Garden of Eden. Eden means Joyful, rejoice, happy
Christianity is about fear, hatred, money and power. I don’t see happiness and smiles in there anywhere do you?
Gloomy? Really? I never noticed. I rather enjoy my Faith.
Sin is dark and gloomy.
Because it’s a serious religion, as are all the Abrahamic religions. I’d be willing to bet if someone painted a portrait of Jesus with a big grin they’d be persecuted by the Christians!