the spiritual. Even when manifest, again the same words,
in ironic and transgressive modes, the fundamental
Christian message may be found. One thinks of works,
which are Christian yet may be considered dark, in
the manner of El Greco and Caravaggio and their
contemporary equivalents, be they radically different
in medium and approach. After all, we cannot make
Christian artistic imagery only anodyne, however much,
in many instances, even, this author might prefer it.
We must respect, within reason, the visions of artists. To
the extent that Christians believe that Christ is in all of us,
that we are all made in God's image, even Edwina Sandys'
"Christ," however exceedingly controversial, lends itself
to the Christian narrative. For centuries, Caravaggio
was persona non grata. Today he is in the Christian
canon. Groups supporting the Vatican Museums engage
lecturers who praise his artistic genius, and prominent
Catholics such as Caravaggio expert Philip FarrugiaHYLAND
