The transformations of the symbolic and theological meaning of matter reflected in Christian aesthetics and art

Abstract

Almost from its very beginning, the faith of the Church incorporated art in its various forms of expression into the process of interpreting its doctrine. Quite quickly the Church included in this process the dogma of creation, i.e. the calling of the world into existence by God. At first, in polemic against ancient Manichaean tendencies, this dogma contributed to a positive view of matter, and thus to the possibility of using it in the realm of religion: since it comes from God, it cannot be an obstacle to worshipping him. Over time, the theme of creation itself was also incorporated into art, above all because it shaped Christian aesthetics, which always in some way reflected the essential elements of the Christian vision of the world and matter: radiance, proportion, harmony. Scholastic theologians in the Middle Ages drew attention to the fact that aesthetics, referring to the creative work of God, can play a supportive role in man's return to God, thanks to the fact that it lifts his spirit towards the Creator. In the Middle Ages the motif of God the Creator, especially as the Creator of all things, also appeared in art. Under the influence of Enlightenment and positivist tendencies, matter lost its symbolic and theological bearing, becoming only a material made available to man, and thus the motif of creation disappeared from art. This means that there is a need to search for the possibility of including the truth about creation in art.