Anias Buried by the Young Men

Harry Spitz · #1 04-07-2005, 10:54 PM

Here I depict the death of one of the most important martyrs of the NT.

This is a digital image produced with Painter 8 software.

Lynn Quinn · #2 04-08-2005, 03:49 PM

Hello Harry, and welcome!
This is a very colourful and interesting representation.

Is this Ananias of Acts 5? Of all the times I've read this account, I must say I never thought of Ananias or Sapphira as martyrs... could you elaborate your thoughts on that. please?
Thanks,
Lynn

Rickyj · #3 04-08-2005, 07:53 PM

Hi Harry,
I, too, like Lynn find your statement about him being one of the most important martyrs curious. I do not think of him as a martyr at all. Could you telll us why you think so?

Rick

Squib · #4 04-09-2005, 04:38 PM

I like this - love the colours. I really wish I had to time to learn how to do the digi-thing !!!!

But, I too, found your reference to Ananias as a martyr very strange. He was a cheat who lied to the Holy Spirit, and was struck dead for it. If your painting is NOT of the Ananias in Acts 5, please let us know.

Harry Spitz · #5 04-09-2005, 11:41 PM

Harry Spitz · #6 04-10-2005, 08:07 AM

No matter how you read this story Peter comes out as an inhuman fiend. I can see no excuse for his nasty lack of compassion in his final interview with Sapphira.

Ananias and Sapphira were the first Jews killed by the Christian cultists and as such their memories should be honored.

Who murdered Ananias and Sapphira? The book of acts accuses God of this barbarous act, but Peter has always been my prime suspect.

Imagine a first century TV news crew trying to uncover the truth about these deaths. An intrepid reporter chases after Peter and sticks a microphone in his face saying "excuse me sir would you please explain what happened to Ananias and Sapphira?".
Peter says " They lied to the Lord God so he struck them dead"
IR- Are you saying that God did it?
P- Yes God did it!
IR- Haven't you been telling people that the end of the world is coming and that they should give you all that they own to prepare for the end?

Peter's goon squad pushes the reporter aside and knock over the camera man.

If it is a fact that 2 members of Peter's congregation died dramatically while in a dispute with Peter over money then execution or murder is not far fetched.

Bigger Image

Lynn Quinn · #7 04-10-2005, 07:25 PM

Hi Harry,
Thank you for elaborating your thoughts on this, as several of us asked you to. I'm afraid I can't go along with your theory, but this isn't the place to get into that. If you're interested on my take on it, please feel free to send me a PM, and I'd be happy to share that.

In the meantime, I wonder if you could share with us about your technique? I find this a very intriguing piece. Did I detect some metallic elements? Is this all done digitally, on your last image? It certainly gives a very good effect. Curious also as to size of the piece.
Lynn

professir · #8 04-10-2005, 08:33 PM

I am going to have to go along with Lynn on this one, I as well hold a very different interpitation of that scripture.

I enjoy the colors, and the freedom of the piece. So, when art loses its original meaning, does it remain art?

Seems like another really great reason not to watch or believe tv.

professir

Harry Spitz · #9 04-10-2005, 09:18 PM

Hi Lynn

These are both digitaly produced images.
The second image is made with a technique that I call Digital Marquetry. The image is a collage of images from my photo safaris.
I am working at producing a palette of textures and color variations.

This image is made of pieces of photos of rust, grass, trees. plaster scratch coat, algea on rust, red pants, old white paint on metal and bricks

Here is a typical image that I've used in a couple of my collages.

Rusty Pillar

Lynn Quinn · #10 04-10-2005, 10:14 PM

Thanks, Harry!

I'm what my kids call a 'technophobe'

, but I am amazed what can be done with the computer, and I certainly admire your artistic talent. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work!

Lynn

monzie · #11 04-11-2005, 09:44 PM

i also have a different take on that passage in the book of acts...feel free to email me if you would like to discuss...peace!
dan
(monzie)

monzie98 "at msn "dot" com

Joel2Army · #12 04-14-2005, 09:32 AM

Even if your version of the events in Acts were correct (which i do not believe they are), It still would not make them martyrs. By definition is one who dies for thier faith. Second they sold there land to impress, this was not an order by Peter. As far as your colorful depliction..not my cup of tea.

Lynn Quinn · #13 04-14-2005, 02:09 PM

Hi everyone,
Just borrowed back a book I read a while ago that really clarifies this whole Acts 5 scenario, for any who are interested: "The Fear of the Lord" by John Bevere. An excellent book! Chapter 7 discusses Ananias & Sapphira, but the whole book looks at the glory of God, the proper kind of fear of God (not the same as being afraid of God!) and the relationship between those two things and the immediacy (or not) of God's judgment. I highly recommend this book!
Harry, if you could get ahold of this book, I think it would really answer some of your questions and concerns.
Lynn

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