Christian Art

Something else Derek mentioned was how Christians don't really support art and artists anymore. I agree with him on this. Art has become the domain of the liberal non-believer -- the rejector of "organized religion". Why? When did this shift happen? It didn't use to be this way. It used to be that the best art in the world was coming from the church and reflected Christian themes: the Sistine Chapel, St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Rembrandt's "Return of the Prodigal Son", Handel's "Messiah". Nowadays, what little we produce is noticably inferior to what the world has to offer.

I remember becoming a Christian in 1994, when I was 18 and listening mostly to Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins. I asked what music Christians listened to that was similar to this and they gave me "Petra". Now, apologies to those of you who like Petra and grew up with them, but it sucked. Fortunately, DC Talk's "Jesus Freak" and Jars of Clay's self-titled album came out soon after and that was decent stuff. Now there are a few good Christian groups out there -- stuff that rivals what the world has to offer. But our movie-making still pales in comparison to the world's (though the Narnia movie was a step in the right direction) and I haven't seen any Christian entry into the painting/drawing world that deserves mention.

There's no reason for this though. As a church we need to start promoting, supporting and encouraging Christian artists to do their thing -- because Christ is honored when we use the gifts he gives us. (Conversely, I believe Christ is dishonored when Christians produce junk and still implore us to buy it simply because it's "Christian")

Art is and always will be a powerful medium for communicating ideas. So let's take back some ground. But more than that, let's just make beautiful stuff because it pleases and honors him.

There is, of course, another issue involving the theme of art produced by Christians and I'd be remiss not to address this a bit too. Derek pointed out that Christian art usually only reflects the most spiritual 2% of Christian life, so that even if it's good, non-believers and even many Christians can't relate to it at all. If, especially as a Christian musician, you dare make music that doesn't talk about Jesus or isn't worship music, you can very quickly be branded a sell-out or backslider. People will question your faith and/or your motives. Why can't a Christian produce a really great album that never mentions Christ's name and that not still bring Him glory? I think it can and does. Non-Christians produced a lot of the great stuff I mentioned above -- most people argue that Rembrandt wasn't really a Christian but just did all that great work because of the commissions. Generally we're OK with that because, well, it's high quality work. Can't we be OK if a genuine Christian produces something beautiful that isn't overtly Christian. Is God less pleased with such a thing? I refer back to my original statements: God does enjoy beauty for beauty's sake, because it ultimately reflects back on Him. Nature itself is the most amazing work of art and it's message (that there is a God and he's amazing) is also subtle enough for many millions to miss.

God gives creative gifts. We know this because we are made in his image and he's a creator God (see Genesis 1). So let's create. Let's use the gifts he's given us -- and celebrate those among us with special talents in that area -- even when they write a song about a girl, paint an abstract or sculpt something undecipherable to you and me.