If you scroll down a bit, you can see an enlarged version of this picture and my previous two posts about The Renaissance.

Let me point out a few more details:  Two books and a crucifix.

What caused the Renaissance to have such world wide ramifications was the invention of the printing press.  Over time this put knowledge in the hands of everyday people.  This effect was not unlike what his happening today with the personal computer and availability of the internet.

Holbein chose two particular books to include in his painting.

On the bottom left, is a manual for calculating profit and loss.  Which is clearly at the heart of life and politics in our modern world.  And then there is a Lutheran hymnal.  Western Christianity owes much to Martin Luther.  His stand ultimately ushered in an understanding of the faith in terms of the five Sola’s.

Sola Gratia (by grace alone)

Sola Fide (by faith alone)

Sola Scriptura (by scripture alone)

Solus Christus (in Christ alone)

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone)

These have become the pillars of orthodox faith.  If you look close at the picture you can barely see a crucifix in the upper left-hand corner.  This represents the protest that was taking place against the Catholic church that led to protestantism.

Is this your renaissance?  I know that consciously and sub-consciously it is mine.  I believe in the five sola’s to the core of my being.  But I wonder what was lost as we pulled the curtain and began to focus life on profit and loss.

Can Harlem help us?