Expert: Fr. Michael - 3/24/2010

Question
Father, (based on a DVD I watched a while back on Vatican art) why does the Vatican depict art about Greek mythology? I suppose such pieces (in theme) demonstrate the distinction between false  and true religion but for some reason I still find it unsettling so I thought I'd ask.

Answer
The Roman Catholic Church is a development of Graeco-Roman culture (hence the name), which, according to the teaching of many Catholic scholars of all ages, reflected the operation of God's Providence in history.  Catholic theology is essentially Aristotelianism with a Christian supplement.  Mythology is an allegorical explanation of many Divine principles and is at the heart of Christian understanding as it developed, being, as you say, the inspiration for many great works of art, by both Catholic artists and others.  Obviously, there is something here that goes to the essence of God's creation.  Naturally, the Roman Catholic Church should be instrumental in preserving these artifacts so essentially to our understanding of the Faith.