Many of you are already aware that one of my primary mentors – both in arts and in life (after all the two cannot be separated) – has been Robert Shaw (1916-1999). The following words, by Robert Blocker, open the Preface that opens the magnificent volume from which at least this post and likely several more to follow are from:

Most people who knew Robert Shaw first met him through his music. Some were acquainted with him only in this way, while others had the experience of knowing him as a friend, or conductor, or cultural leader, or educator, or raconteur – or more than one, or even all of those roles he embodied. As a musician, however, he belonged to the world. His musical signature was – and still is – an extraordinary sound that touches one’s deepest emotions . . . this is Robert Shaw’s book. Each word is his – wisdom, wit, and immediacy from a treasury of writings and musings. It is a volume that reflects the unique perspective he brought to the podium (Blocker, vii).

The Robert Shaw Reader. Robert Blocker, editor. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2004.

For me he was also a theological mentor – establishing a personal basis for theology that has steadily grown from a strong foundation rooted in intelligence, passion, and love.

I will never forget the time I saw him and said, “Good morning Mr. Shaw.” He responded, “Tom, my name is Robert” to which I responded, “Yes sir, Mr. Shaw!” My respect for him did not allow me to address him by his first name even though I knew and understood that he was genuine when he reminded me that his name was Robert.

I will close this post with a quotation from the early part of Mr. Shaw’s address entitled The Conservative Arts which was delivered on November 9, 1981 at Memorial Church, Harvard University:

The argument, then, behind the title is that the arts, and probably in direct ratio as to how liberal and creative they are, are the preservers and the purveyors of those values which define humanity (and for some divine Divinity) and finally, in fact, may prove to be the only workable Program of Conservation for the human race on this planet (Blocker, 357).

I promise that you will not want to miss the extraordinary words offered by this giant of humanity that will provide the central focus for coming posts.

And, as usual, I hope that you will be willing to join the conversation by leaving your comments at http://humanbeingsanon.com. It is not possible to have a discussion community unless people are willing to join in the discussion.

Grace and peace!