One time, in the desert town of Lancaster, in Antelope Valley, California, I was at this silent auction fundraiser thing for a charity, and was so struck by the (28 x 24 inch) painting above that I took the leap and bid $80.00 for it. I thought it was a picture of some nuns and one man heading towards some sort of church or holy building. No one else leaped behind me; the picture was mine. When I went to pay for it afterwards, the auction people said, “How cool that you got this painting done by Muhammad Ali!”
That’s when I learned my new painting had been done (and signed!) by none other than The Champ himself. Who knew The Greatest could paint? And judging from this picture, I know, not many would think it still. But I like it. It’s driven by a fresh, elemental, playful power that I find moving.
Not unlike its painter! (Oh: the white spot on the picture is just glare from my flash. Who am I, Cartier-Bresson?)
Some 15 years after acquiring this picture I became a Christian. Then I wondered if it was right for me to leave hanging in my house art that I had come to understand was distinctly Muslimish. I sort of fundamentally reject incorporating into my evaluation of a work of art its subject matter or explicit “message”; I’m interested in the aesthetics of a piece, and not much else. Still, I didn’t want God to ever say to me, “Great having you on board, Johnny! Too bad we have to send you to hell now because you’re too stupid to know you shouldn’t hang Enemy Art on your walls.”
But then I thought, “Enemy art. That’s so stupid. Islam isn’t the enemy of Christianity. Evil is the enemy of Christianity.”
But then I thought, “Yeah, but a lot of Christians do think Islam is the enemy of Christianity. And you’re a new Christian—what do you know? And historically, Islam and Christianity haven’t exactly gotten along like the blood brothers I think they actually are. A lot of Christians think Islam is evil, ya’ know.”
Then I thought, “Remember that fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman? I love George Foreman. The Rumble in the Jungle! Man, Don King was a pain.”
And then I heard a bell ding. ”Wow!” I thought. “Just like in a fight!” Except instead of the next round, this bell meant the chocolate-chip cookies I had in the oven were ready. So then I started thinking less about world theology and history, and more about eating freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies.
Anyway, up there’s my painting done and signed by Muhammad Ali. Blasphemous Imagery, Excellent Painting Done by One of the World’s All-Time Greatest Athletes, or Not A Bad Way To Promote World Peace? You be the judge! I’d do it, but I’m late picking my wife up from work.
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Fan me, baby
Posted by Rachelle on July 24, 2008 at 5:10 am
John, you crack me up. Personally, I go for the world peace idea and leave the painting up. It was the art that touched your heart to begin with… and I believe that kind of artistry comes from God Himself, whether or not the artist realizes it. Even if it really is Islamish, it looks to me like it depicts only the positive and loving side of Islam… and I’d see it as a reminder to look for the positive in others, including (or maybe especially) Muslims.
Posted by John Shore on July 24, 2008 at 5:23 am
Heathen!
Oh, wait. You’re a Major Christian-Market Literary Agent.
Visionary!
Posted by Mike (FVThinker) Burns on July 24, 2008 at 5:34 am
While you, John, seem pretty inclusive, I (as a non-believer) take away the following:
a) as a non-christian, you saw the artwork and the enemy/appropriate/blasphemy topic never entered your mind
b) as a christian, you now have to entertain thoughts of “who’s in the ‘in’ group, and who’s in the ‘out’ group”
It seems to me another example of religion creating divisions where none would otherwise exist.
BTW: Yellow is my favorite color…I love the painting
Posted by John Shore on July 24, 2008 at 5:38 am
Mike: What you’ve said is true: Yellow DOES rock.
Posted by Ingrid on July 24, 2008 at 5:55 am
Enemy Art HA! John that made my day. I think we’ll all be surprised at who made it to the divine table in heaven and who was booted to hell. I personally think your choice in decor has you a leg up on the heaven bound train myself.
BTW Love the painting. You are one lucky duck to have found it. I’m slightly jealous
Posted by arlywn on July 24, 2008 at 6:15 am
okay, well if god condemns you to hell because of a painting that will make history… then what will he do to all the christian people who surf up porn?
Posted by Live & Learn on July 24, 2008 at 7:18 am
THIS is why your blog is so interesting. I love it that you’re asking these questions — facetiously or not.
But I’ll take the question at face value.
If you have peace about it, it’s probably fine. After all, art is representative, and you can put whatever interpretation or reflection on it that you wish.
But if the Holy Spirit is making you restless about it, definitely do something. Maybe you could sell it and use the money for something you feel God is leading you to do.
Just imagine though, if a mosque like the one in the picture could go up for sale, be purchased by believers, and then re-dedicated to the worship of the One True and Living God, it would become a HOLY place — and a holy painting!
Posted by fetje on July 24, 2008 at 7:20 am
It’s not a technically excellent painting… but it’s fun and fresh. In fact, I’d say it says a lot about the joy of a congregation (Christian? Muslim? Is that germane in this instance?) coming together to worship. The wide open spaces and the uncluttered backdrop seem to suggest a certain purity of faith, natural and unweighted by superstition.
This entry of yours takes the lid off a can of worms. I work in the art field (classical music); and have experienced first hand the stultifying inanity of the “Inferior-until-proven-Christian” approach to art… or any cultural artifact for that matter. The knee-jerk reaction is self-preserving and forgivable when the territory is unfamiliar; but our responsibility as Christians is to *become* familiar; that is, to become engaged in cultural dialogue beyond the tracts and propaganda. I’m not saying that we should not reject art that sets itself up against the knowledge of Christ; that should be clearly pushed away. But there’s a lot that takes place outside “sacred speak” that would help us become “saltier” and “brighter”. Useful starter questions when confronted with unfamiliar cultural things: Does it directly contradict God’s special revelation as laid down in the Bible? (Then, if, gasp, the item passes this test…) What does it say, and who is saying it?
Thanks for the provocative thought, and of course, a glimpse at the perky painting.
Posted by John Shore on July 24, 2008 at 7:48 am
Ingrid: It pains me to hear I’ve made you “slightly jealous.” I wish you were rabidly jealous. Adjust that, please.
Live and Learn: Facetiously? I’m shocked. SHOCKED!!
Fetje: Excellent thoughts! And near to my heart: As an author in the world of Christian Publishing, my whole challenge in life is trying to balance on that tight, TIGHT rope between Good Art and Acceptable to Christian Media Gate Keepers. Tricky business, that.
All of these comments, by all you guys, are great. Not to brag or exaggerate, but I do have the best, smartest readers in the history of human thought.
Posted by Paul on July 24, 2008 at 8:12 am
John,
I don’t have a problem with you hanging the picture, but I’m worried about what consuming those chocolate chip cookies is doing for you. Perhaps you should send them to me and remove the temptation?
Conversely, you could regift the picture at that wedding you were talking about last week since they’re not worried about “Enemy art”.
Posted by John Shore on July 24, 2008 at 8:23 am
OK, I put up a better photo of the picture; now you can click on it, and see it better.
Posted by samwrites2 on July 24, 2008 at 8:25 am
John,
I’d say hanging the painting is between you and God.
But in the unlikely event of an invitation to the Shore residence it would be the first item I’d want to look at/admire/covet.
Here’s a site if you want an opinion on the art’s authenticity: http://www.aliautos.net/opinionservice.html.
At first I thought maybe “The Greatest” was selling cars but the autos part refers to autographs. Of course, how do we know this guy’s opinion is worth $5?
-Sam
Posted by arlywn on July 24, 2008 at 8:46 am
btw john, did you ever decide about gods feelings on gay weddings? Did you go or not? and if you went- what did you bring for a gift?
Posted by Greta on July 24, 2008 at 10:24 am
First glance, I saw one man with 8 wives, heading for the Temple area to worship….then a closer look told me it could be a couple, with 7 daughters, heading to the Temple to worship. Dad is on the extreme left and mom is on the extreme right! If one could pick the brain of Mohammed Ali, we might get the answer! Who knows what childhood memory was released on that canvas. Nonetheless, John, it is a good find. I would have paid 80.00 for it myself.
Posted by donkimrey on July 24, 2008 at 11:04 am
Interesting. I’m just “surfing.” Started a blog myself, and am looking for better ways to communicate. Open to comments and suggestions as to how to improve the format, content, outreach. You’re a lot further along in this arena than I’ll ever be. But I’m trying. By the way, my site is biblestudy.wordpress.com. It is purely devotional in its intent. No attempt at “scholarly” endeavors, or the cracks and crevices of denominationalism. No attempt to get anybody to join anything or give money. I’d love to hear what you think about my efforts. Best wishes to you in yours! Don Kimrey
Posted by wineymomma on July 24, 2008 at 12:49 pm
In what way is it “distinctly Muslimish”?
And NEVER be late picking your wife up…that is a whole other can of worms…
Posted by Skerrib on July 24, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I think the painting is great, but I think chocolate chip cookies are even better.
Posted by anita on July 24, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Is it “Muslimish” or “Muslimesque?”
Either way it’s fun. Hang it and enjoy it, but if the wall starts bleeding or warts beginning appearing in unpleasant places, you might want to reconsider.
Posted by Cibola on July 24, 2008 at 2:54 pm
When it comes to art, who can judge what’s sacred and what’s not?
Fetje: I like your thoughts on the matter. The tunes from some of our beloved hymns were once (beloved) pub songs. And that reminds me….there was a church in our town that wouldn’t allow a bluegrass concert to be held in their sanctuary, but the next week there was a classical, Mozart concert held there. Hmmm…
I like the painting. It’s lovely, bright and creative…like our Father.
Posted by Morse on July 24, 2008 at 3:21 pm
28 x 24, eh?
Hmmmm…
The portrait is evil. It is destroying your home and your faith even as we speak. You must rid yourself of it.
Send it to me. I have a perfect place to hang…I mean…I have a perfect place to dispose of it for you. And I won’t even charge you for the effort.
Posted by John Shore on July 24, 2008 at 4:34 pm
KILLING ME! YOU GUYS ARE KILLING ME!!
Man. Too great.
Hey, so I emailed the guy SamWrites references above (in comment #12), and he, Shawn, came and looked at the painting, and he has very definitely confirmed that it IS a genuine Muhammed Ali autograph of a genuine MA painting. So that was fun. He was really nice.
Morse: You’re going to be the funniest guy in hell, for sure.
Anita: I wish I’d thought of “Muslimesque.” That’s so much more … Middle Eastish.
Greta: Good comment: Thank you!
Arlywyn: Wedding’s in Aug.
Posted by anita on July 24, 2008 at 6:31 pm
John,
Actually, it’s a Middle Easternism. You’re a writer. You should have a better handle on this stuff Torch Boy.
Posted by John Shore on July 24, 2008 at 7:12 pm
“That’s so much more Middle Easternism.”
No. Sorry. See, this is why I make the big bucks.
Posted by Candace on July 24, 2008 at 8:27 pm
What’s so Islamic about people checking out a guy buried in sand up to his chin, with his arms raised?
I mean, yeah, the guy is kinda big, but people do that “hey, let’s bury somebody!” thing all the time at the beach.
Posted by arlywn on July 25, 2008 at 4:33 am
candace, where do you see a guy buried in the sand?
Posted by Paul on July 25, 2008 at 10:04 am
I see it! kinda tiny hands, though
Posted by Candace on July 25, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Yeah, but the cute hat makes up for it, don’tcha think??
Posted by JCinBoulder on July 25, 2008 at 7:37 pm
This is a gray area, covered by our freedom in Christ. If you can hang and enjoy the painting for the glory of God then do it, if your conscience convicts you and you hang it anyway you are sinning.
Make no mistake though, no false religion is a brother of Chritianity. And all false religions, including Islam are evil as they lead people to hell. As Scripture teaches “what fellowship does light have with darkness.” If Jesus isn’t the only was to God then He was a liar and He is no way to God.
Posted by Hussein on April 9, 2010 at 4:29 pm
JC in Boulder, as you have not given any tangible proves nor argued about what makes your way right and all others wrong, I just wanted to let you know, like you Muslims think and (being a Muslim) I agree that your religion may not be evil but your worship is. and associating partners with the one and only God of creation makes you a polytheist and you will be damn to hell along with anyone who worships anyone or anything beside the God “The Father” who has no sons nor daughter nor partners in creation.
I think it is fair that Christians who pass judgment against others should know that the same is true when others look at them. I personally believe that Islam is the ONLY way to God’s salvation JC.
As for the painting, You were lucky to find it, and best of luck to you John, but if even a hint of doubt cross your mind, then maybe you should sell it, hopefully a Muslim who will NOT question its value and treasure it for all that it it can purchase it and you can make a little money off of it.
PS. I release this is an older post but I could not help myself since not a single Muslim seems to have commented on this, I hope you allow this for fairness sake.
Peace!
Posted by aysha on April 10, 2010 at 12:02 am
Wow JCinBoulder, I certainly couldn’t have thought up a more insensitive comment even if I tried. How like a bigot to say that. As Gandhi put eloquently, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Thanks Hussein for the comparatively more intelligent comment. And no, I’m not saying that just because I’m Muslim. It’s because Hussein’s comment delivers a more balanced and rational view of the whole thing compared to Mr. Negative up there.
John, you’re one lucky guy to have gotten that painting. Treasure it not for it’s religious value but for its art. It’s a perfect way to show (your kids especially, if you have any) and encourage understanding and acceptance of different religions and cultures. It reminds me of my mom’s tiny hometown where there is a mosque near the beach as well. It’s not as close as depicted in the painting but, still.
Enjoy your great find!
Posted by Andy on April 10, 2010 at 7:04 am
WELL said, JCinboulder!
Hussein’s comment is one of the honest ones from people of his religion. They know that their god (take note of the small “g”…) who neither begets nor is begotten is not the same as the God of the Bible/Israel who declares that God the Son, the only Begotten of the Father, came to earth to die for the sins of the world. They are mutually exclusive! (Their book says that Jesus was not crucified as well-an attack at the very heart of the gospel! It either happened or it didn’t!)
Aysha (hmmm….I wonder what religious background she is, ha!ha!), who cares if YOU think his comment is “insensitive”. Better to be biblically correct than “politically correct”! Some people are more interested in the truth than being witty/funny/popular on a blog….
Posted by Maimoona Rahman on April 11, 2010 at 7:58 am
Okay, JC and Andy. You have made it sufficiently clear that you’re intolerant, and I wonder, is that what the Holy Bible promotes