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Kevin LaTorre's avatar

Great to hear how Dr. Milliner situated the digital onslaught within the larger history of how Christians have sought Christ within the imperfect artistic world! Well done, Carolyn.

One thing: how did the other panelists figure into his comments?

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Carolyn Etzel Branch's avatar

Thanks Kevin! After his main presentation, there was a panel held of Dr. Milliner and a few others moderated by the senior pastor of the church. Their comments mostly centered around practical instances where they've seen the negative effects of image saturation in social media/digitalization/the internet play out, with some discussion of how powerful images are for forming us as humans. Since I was excited about a conversation around the ways art and technology can shape us for evil *or good*, I found Dr. Milliner’s words framing the perils of image saturation within the longer scope of art history particularly compelling and focused there in my report.

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Kevin LaTorre's avatar

That makes sense, especially if the panel was more pastoral than thinking along your artistic-historical lines.

I'm glad you had the chance to make it to the event!

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Greg Lookerse's avatar

Great article, this is my favorite quote:

“Isn’t it wonderful?” He says. “The only images you can trust are those that are broken, because they lead us to grace.” We follow his gaze towards Christ in the middle, his undamaged figure revealing the marks on his hands and feet.

In the world but not of the world comes to mind.

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William Collen's avatar

Very true. And I'm happy to hear than Dr. Milliner isn't advocating for abandoning these technologies completely; rather, he is advocating for their much more careful use.

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millinerd's avatar

I am so cheered that you attended and offered this very helpful write up and reflection. Thank you sincerely Carolyn!

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Carolyn Etzel Branch's avatar

Grateful for your scholarship, Dr. Milliner! I hope my reflection was faithful.

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