I recently stumbled on an interesting conversation surrounding the fresco, “The Creation of Adam.”
The standard interpretation of Michelangelo’s masterpiece goes like this: As God reaches out to Adam (instilling him with life); Adam reaches back toward God in faith.
Not all art historians agree.
When studying the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, some claim (using complicated diagrams and vectors) that Adam is not actually looking at God. Instead, these scholars suggest, Adam is gazing at the striking beauty nestled in the crook of God’s left arm.
Who is this woman?
It is the not-yet-created Eve.
Perhaps, these scholars suggest, Adam is not reaching out toward God in faith. Perhaps Adam is looking past God. Yearning for companionship, could it be that Adam is looking at and reaching out for Eve?
Now I must admit, when it comes to analyzing Michelangelo’s masterpiece, I am the sort of guy who gets stuck pondering why the Master gave the first human a bellybutton. In other words, my interpretation of this work is undoubtedly suspect.
Nevertheless, here it is.
Rarely are our attempts to reach out to God pristine. Never are they pure. And the good news is this whole debate is this: No matter what Adam’s motivations, no matter what the first human is reaching toward, it is absolutely clear that God is reaching out toward him!
What do you think?
Ah, Rev. Scott, I am delighted and relieved that someone I respect thinks as I do about our reachings for God. You nailed it — never are they pure, rarely are they pristine. Sometimes I thought perhaps I was just a “bad” Christian and believer — why couldn’t I reach for God without my “I want” list tucked in my back pocket?
I am reassured here — I am human. It’s okay.
Instead I’m going to marvel at how God reaches for me day and night, and thank Him for His joy-filled love.