‘Why have you abandoned me?' Can art speak of hope in a God-forsaken world? by Rev Dr Michael Jensen Inaburra Founders Lectures

In this lecture, Michael begins by looking at art as ‘true witness’ through George Gittoes’ collection of stories and drawings of the Kibeho massacre. He reflects on how the artist sought to write ‘as beautifully as possible’ in order to honour the humanity of those who suffered and explores how some ‘emotive regions could only be reached by drawing and painting’. After an historical exploration of the presence and absence of God in art over time, Michael speaks about the ‘hiddenness’ and revelation of God in the sufferings of Christ, suggesting that Jesus doesn’t just bear witness to us as an impotent bystander standing in solidarity, but as a fellow sufferer and victim, and that this offering of God’s presence is reflected throughout the ages in a constant aesthetic representation of beauty. 

Dr Michael Jensen is a pastor, author, public commentator, and theologian. He has served as the rector in the Anglican parish of St Mark’s Church, Darling Point since 2013; and was formerly a professor of theology at Moore College, Sydney. He completed a doctorate at Oxford University in 2008 and has published many books, including Martyrdom and Identity: The Self on Trial and My God, My God: Is it possible to believe anymore? He also regularly writes opinion pieces for news and media including ‘The Drum’ on the ABC. Alongside Megan Powell du Toit, he co-hosts the podcast With All Due Respect. 
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