Earlier today I stumbled across a fascinating set of four images–posted here–that were created by The Glue Society, a creative collective. The pictures mimic the satellite photography found on Google Earth and elsewhere, imagining what certain events from the Bible could have looked like. Their rendition of the Red Sea crossing (above) is my favorite. Is it just me, or do those ripples look like fingerprints?
“As a method of representation satellite photography is so trusted, it has been interesting to mess with that trust,” says James Dive of The Glue Society. In other words, they have no evangelistic intent. They’re more interested in the cultural authority of satellite snapshots.
Yet I share Mr. Dive’s interest. For someone who does embrace the historical reality of the Red Sea crossing, and also trusts satellites, it’s fascinating to see that biblical event depicted in a form that feels factual, objective, scientific.
It’s not like the power of images is anything new. You’ve probably heard how, in our image-saturated culture, our imaginations need a little visual stimulation or encouragement. Still, it’s one thing to see a dramatic painting of Moses with arms held high, or even a Hollywood blockbuster re-telling (RIP Charlton Heston). But a photograph? That’s different. That’s real.
These fake satellite pictures reinforce for me the truth of the Bible, that God’s spectacular history of deliverance for his people actually happened, here on this planet. And continues every day, of course, thanks to Jesus.
But I also feel exhorted to read the Bible with greater gusto and imagination. Pictures can be wonderful, but hopefully aren’t a crutch. Sometimes, they’re even misleading. The “white Jesus” illustrations jump to mind. If you looked here, you probably noticed that the Crucifixion scene seems strangely empty. Or again, how many kids assume that the 1950s happened in black-and-white?
In your personal devotions, or in your ministry, what do you do to make the truth of the Bible come alive? What is and isn’t the place for images? Is your imagination out of shape too?
