Pastors

Google Earth, Meet Moses

Is our lack of imagination short-changing our faith?

Leadership Journal February 9, 2009

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?

Our Latest

Our Faith’s Future Depends on Discipleship

The Lausanne Movement’s State of the Great Commission report details where and how Christianity is growing. 

News

Trump’s Promised Mass Deportations Put Immigrant Churches on Edge

Some of the president-elect’s proposals seem unlikely, but he has threatened to remove millions of both undocumented and legal immigrants.

God Is Faithful in Triumph and Despair

I voted for Kamala Harris and mourn her loss. But I want to keep politics in its proper place, subordinate to Jesus.

Vance’s Chance

How VP-elect JD Vance could build a bridge between populism and Christian conservatism.

How to Pray for Persecuted Christians

Leaders from Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa offer guidance on interceding for believers suffering for their faith.

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Could Be A Classic

The new movie from Dallas Jenkins is at times too on the nose—but also funny, heartfelt, and focused on Jesus.

News

Trump’s Path to Victory Still Runs Through the Church

The former president held on to the white evangelical vote while making gains among Catholics and Hispanic Christians.

What to Do After the Election

Prudence from Ecclesiastes and exhortation from Hebrews for the jubilant and disappointed alike.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube