From the blog
Shadow and light – Archetypes and the Gospels
If we combine the 4 Jungian archetypes with the personifications of the tetramorph, can we make a case for Christ as the perfect fulfilment of all that Freud, Jung, Campbell, Moore, and Gilette are looking for? In a society of disordered archetypes, and psychoses of imbalance, can we psycho-analyse Christ in a Jungian framework and find the perfect man? I contend that we can. And that the answer to all our psychoses can be found by spending time in the gospels.
Fiddlers and Afflictions – joy and suffering in the work of Marc Chagall
Seeking for ‘mentors in hope’ in the troubling times in South Africa and abroad made me reflect on some of the ways Chagall seems to brave despair.
Secularization’s Crisis: What Africa has to offer the world
The notion of the secularisation of (Western) society is a fascinating subject in its own right, with both supporters and detractors of its central thesis; that our society is no longer concerned with religion the way it used to be. Secular, from saeculum (generation, or age) in its Christian Latin usage denotes ‘the world’, as opposed to sacred, from sacer (holy), that which is consecrated to God. Back in 1966 Bryan Wilson called it “the process in which religious thinking, practice and institutions lose social significance”, and Anthony Giddens, more recently as “the process where religion loses its influence over the various spheres of social life”. Or, as Max Weber more imaginatively called it, “the disenchantment of the world”.
Inconclusively Offensive?
The dinner spectacle John describes for us in his gospel, even though remote, still manages to offend us (though not as much as the original guests), but, we’re not quite sure how—or, why, we are offended. We can determine this however, that the story gives us a picture of extravagant devotion.
Unleavened
Hoping to offer a Christian perspective on the growing discourse within African Contemporary art, the ‘Unleavened’ exhibition was imagined as a place of restoration but also of provocation. The theme Leaven provided a metaphor “through which to view the work of young artists as they explore the presence and impact of culture, gender, politics and religion in their lives today”.
An Allegory of Grief
I have a friend who become the victim of sudden loss. One day she was walking along quite happily, when out of the blue a spear of grief was hurled.
Are we all bunkering billionaires?
Douglas Rushkoff’s TED Talk, How to be “Team Human” recounts how he was probed by tech billionaires who wondered whether New Zealand was the right location to build their doomsday bunkers. What bothered Rushkoff about what these tech billionaires were planning?
Voicing Creation’s Praise
Voicing Creation’s Praise (1991) is a highly detailed and staccato piece of writing, a bit like a Beethoven Scherzo. Jeremy Begbie is known for his writing and lecturing in theology and the arts and is a professor at the Duke University Divinity School. He also studied music and is an accomplished musician.
Shadow and light – Archetypes and the Gospels
If we combine the 4 Jungian archetypes with the personifications of the tetramorph, can we make a case for Christ as the perfect fulfilment of all that Freud, Jung, Campbell, Moore, and Gilette are looking for? In a society of disordered archetypes, and psychoses of imbalance, can we psycho-analyse Christ in a Jungian framework and find the perfect man? I contend that we can. And that the answer to all our psychoses can be found by spending time in the gospels.
Fiddlers and Afflictions – joy and suffering in the work of Marc Chagall
Seeking for ‘mentors in hope’ in the troubling times in South Africa and abroad made me reflect on some of the ways Chagall seems to brave despair.
Secularization’s Crisis: What Africa has to offer the world
The notion of the secularisation of (Western) society is a fascinating subject in its own right, with both supporters and detractors of its central thesis; that our society is no longer concerned with religion the way it used to be. Secular, from saeculum (generation, or age) in its Christian Latin usage denotes ‘the world’, as opposed to sacred, from sacer (holy), that which is consecrated to God. Back in 1966 Bryan Wilson called it “the process in which religious thinking, practice and institutions lose social significance”, and Anthony Giddens, more recently as “the process where religion loses its influence over the various spheres of social life”. Or, as Max Weber more imaginatively called it, “the disenchantment of the world”.
Inconclusively Offensive?
The dinner spectacle John describes for us in his gospel, even though remote, still manages to offend us (though not as much as the original guests), but, we’re not quite sure how—or, why, we are offended. We can determine this however, that the story gives us a picture of extravagant devotion.
ABOUT
KRUX
Our mission is best described as theological discipleship—a form of discipleship that seeks to bring both thought and behaviour under the lordship of Christ. Primarily this means gaining a deep understanding of God’s great act toward us in Christ, and therefore, the consequences of the Gospel for all of human endeavour.
We believe this can only truly be done in community through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and is expressed by means of study, mentorship, practicing hospitality, and engaging with the Arts.
“Christ did not come to make us christian, but to make us human.”
–
Hans Rookmaaker
What We Do
Theological Discipleship
Theological discipleship pursues a head and heart knowledge of our faith, a living theology, forged in the fire of community.
This is the vital foundation of KRUX.
Mentoring
Mentorship is intrinsic to the theological and relational core of KRUX, whether by means of personal conversation, counselling, small group seminar, or sharing a meal.
Culture & the Arts
KRUX offers various seminars and opportunities for reflecting on the intersection of faith and culture, and facilitates an annual Artists Gathering, which connects artists from across Southern Africa and has brought several international speakers to our shores.
Community
Weekly fellowship meals followed by a short discussion, presentation, or film/music clip, and lively conversation is the embodiment of engaged faith-in-community at KRUX.
KRUX arts
Gathering faith-based artists into a community for discourse, dialogue and practice in the arts is a liberating and life-giving venture. Explore some of the exciting initiatives we’ve been involved with the past few years:
Recommended Reads
You Are What You Love
James K. A. Smith
The Return of the Prodigal Son
Henri J. M. Nouwen
Visual Faith
William A. Dyrness
Upcoming offerings
The Artists' Gathering
About the event
The Weight of Hope
About the theme
Wesley Vander Lugt
About the speaker
Get Involved
KRUX offers an exciting range of events, ranging from informal conversations around faith and art, to formal theological discussions, as well as gallery visits and of course, our annual artists’ gathering.