27 September 2008

Lost History-Tarot Cards

I've mentioned before the tarot and how the major arcana /triumphs are capable of Christian interpretations (and see their evangelistic potential here). As a brief introduction to the historical background this YouTube vid can probably not be bettered (unless you know otherwise?)

And to see an interesting and sometimes moving usage of the imagery in Christian prayer, try this:

YouTube - Lost History-Tarot Cards

5 comments:

Yewtree said...

Could you define what you meanby "evangelistic potential" here?

Andii said...

Yvonne, you need to follow the link under the 'here' after the phrase you have quoted ad loc. It leads to a book, and that book explains the usage. In brief the book outlines the way that a Christian might be able to reflect on the themes of the major arcana and to use them to help others relate gospel themes to their own spiritual meaning-making.

Yewtree said...

Ah, in that case it's not "evangelical" according to my understanding of that word's meaning.

Andii said...

I think I can understand that, given that for most people evangelical/evangelistic equates to insensitive browbeating. However, I do want to say that there is a place for sharing faith with a view to inviting or encouraging others to take seriously something we find life-giving or helpful; seriously enough to consider adopting it in some way for themselves.

It's unnatural for people not to share things they find exciting and transformative. I guess the issue is learning to be aware of the effects of our sharing on others.

Yewtree said...

I am all for sharing spiritual meaning. Where I get irritated is when people (of whatever spiritual path) assume that because their spiritual path and its symbolism is right for them, it must be the best one for everybody, or represent the Ultimate Truth.

Here are my thoughts (for what it's worth) on the difference between proselytising, evangelism and interfaith dialogue: Spot the difference.

Yes it's natural for people to share what they find life-giving and transformative - it's just that too many Christians (present company apparently excepted) assume that their metaphor for the Divine is the Truth.

By the way, I meant to say, I really like your "About Me" profile, it reads like a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins.

"Spend and tax" not "tax and spend"

 I got a response from my MP which got me kind of mad. You'll see why as I reproduce it here. Apologies for the strange changes in types...