A Table In The Wilderness: Love Feast

In the Spring of 2025, I created this one-page comic poster, Love Feast, for the inaugural installment of the Theology and the Arts Lecture Series, which was entitled A Table In The Wilderness. It was hosted by Belmont University’s School of Theology and Christian Ministry, in collaboration with the Creative Arts Collective. 

The project was instigated by an essay written by the theologian, activist, musician, baker, line chef, and entrepreneur Dr. Greg Thompson,  “Hinges and a Lock: Hospitality in a World of Predators.” My artwork theologically links the character of Jesus with the plight of immigrants and others who have been rejected by the United States' increasingly fascist politics. More reflection is detailed below and is included in the downloadable PDF.

This piece is inspired by the essay “Hinges and a Lock” by Gregory Thompson. It's called "Love Feast," after the ancient Christian practice of dividing out resources in the community to meet needs as each had ability. This was often practiced before sitting down for a meal. 

I resonated with Thompson's discussion of feeling bereft of purpose when the bottom falls out, in ministry or otherwise. I, too, have felt lost in a spiritual wilderness as I struggle to make sense of God's goodness in the face of personal hardship and trauma. I have had to learn to set boundaries with others and protect my peace as I work to make peace in the world.  This piece speaks to these themes through references to the many ways bodies can be broken and porous, just as the  Body of Christ or our body politic is broken and porous. 

This especially resonates with the ongoing, violent policing of state and national borders, as well as the borders of sex and gender under current and previous US Presidential administrations.  I believe Christians today (myself included) need to take a look at how we represent the work of loving our neighbors and the narrowness with which "neighbor" is too often defined.  At the end of the day, we are all part of one another, and ministry to others is self-care and vice versa. 

jules leslie webb, Love Feast, 2025. Digital.

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Contact: jaquaywebb@gmail.com