The early books of the Bible contains some of the finest stories
ever told. Sadly, having survived 3000 years of telling, they are
in danger of being forgotten. Why should this be in an age that
claims to be the most literate since time began? The answer to this
question might have something to do with the way we receive information.
Despite an explosion of information technology our vision is often
limited to a television monitor. The 'box' is readily accessible
in most of the rooms we occupy. In the 15th century, when many men
and women could not write, they too received their information pictorially.
If they visited Norwich Cathedral they would have received visual
messages, not through a box but through a boss. The bosses of Norwich
Cathedral communicate visually some of the best loved Bible stories.
A galaxy of them dazzle from the vaults of the Cathedral roof. These
Nave bosses present the history of salvation from Genesis to Doomsday
communicating their message in the media of their day.
Once
the preparations are made, Noah, his family and the animals are
safely stowed on board the ark. The flood waters rise as 'two fountains
of the great deep burst forth and the windows of heaven are opened'
(Gen.7.11). As the waters increase, the ark 'rises high above the
earth'. Our boss, high above the nave, shows us Noah, his wife and
their anxious passengers looking out as the rain falls on the earth
'forty days and forty nights'. So that 'every living thing is blotted
out from the face of the earth' (Gen.7.23).
Once
the preparations are made, Noah, his family and the animals are
safely stowed on board the ark. The flood waters rise as 'two fountains
of the great deep burst forth and the windows of heaven are opened'
(Gen.7.11). As the waters increase, the ark 'rises high above the
earth'. Our boss, high above the nave, shows us Noah, his wife and
their anxious passengers looking out as the rain falls on the earth
'forty days and forty nights'. So that 'every living thing is blotted
out from the face of the earth' (Gen.7.23).