Friday, May 30, 2008

The Medieval Imagination



There has been a a marvellous series of free lectures at the State Library of Victoria around the event, 'The Medieval Imagination', an exhibition of medieval manuscripts. The above video reminds us of the disruptive nature of the new technology of 'the book' and this link gives a taste of the exhibition, including a gallery and audio tour,
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/programs/exhibitions/kmg/2008/medieval_imagination

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Aramaic



This is the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic, the language that Jesus spoke. It illustrates so well the distinctive sound and flavour of Eastern Christianity, much of which has been forgotten and lost in the West. When I listen to this being chanted, it reminds me of the whirling dervishes, both their music and movement. I read once that prostrations were a common practice in early Christianity, something associated with Islam today.