The Denial of Peter

This was actually done as one of a pair of paintings. It’s companion is “The Conversion of Paul.” These were reactive to some study I’d done of the first two factions of Christianity. These divergent views are generally referred to as “Petrinism” and “Paulinism,” referencing Peter and Paul.

There are indications that the theology spread by Peter kept Christianity within the framework of Judaism, with recognition of the Jewish laws, and a treatment of Christianity as a specifically Jewish religion. On the other hand, Paul, although himself Jewish, represented Christianity as an entirely new idea available to both Jew and gentile, vanquishing any necessary adherence to Jewish laws or customs.

Early Christian groups associated themselves with one disciple or another, and I think that several of the stories about specific disciples developed as polemics against certain doctrines and the disciples that were associated with them. For example, there are indications of a school of Thomas that didn't regard the resurrection, and this might account for the origins of the story of "Doubting Thomas," in which Thomas was the last of the disciples to believe in the resurrection. Just so, it seems likely to me that the story of Peter denying any familiarity with Jesus, for which he was essentially banished, might have originated as a Pauline polemic against the Petrine doctrine.

In other scriptures Peter is reestablished, and in Matthew Jesus gives him the keys, and dominion, showing a preference for Petrinism. According to Catholic doctrine this represents the establishment of the papal line, making Peter the first pope.

Although the difference between Peter and Paul historically was a difference concerning relation to Judaism, that has not necessarilly been my focus in this representation of Peter. Rather, he is depicted as a Catholic priest, and my personal intention was to essentially ostracize Catholicism, which associates itself with him. In this the act of leaving the city leaves him banished, the doors say "Keep Out." Aside from his accusers there is also my figure of "Seth," who reaches out to take the keys back from him. The rooster that announces the morning practically screams in Peter's ear.

(See commentary of "Cain, Abel, and Seth" for information about the Seth character.)

 

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