On Creativity as a Christian

As I marvel at the Saharan Dust blowing in and regretting the havoc that this will undoubtedly play on my allergies, I am nearly speechless by the work the Lord has been doing in our lives. The last two weeks have been ON FIRE!!!

As a new potential work opportunity cropped up on my end, my mom was rushed to the ER to treat an intestinal obstruction that caused her to come down with a serious infection.

Throughout the last two weeks, I’ve continued having conversations about a really awesome opportunity to serve the Lord and help share the Gospel and advance God’s Kingdom.

And then came last THURSDAY. A week after rushing Mom to the ER, I was completely caught by surprise as my photograph “Brothers” won FIRST PLACE for PHOTOGRAPHY and BEST IN SHOW for this year’s Marshall Regional Arts Council Juried Art Show!!!

GOD IS GOOD, y’all!!!

Upon hearing the news, my friend Nigel encouraged me by saying how this was a sign that I needed to continue pursuing my art.

As I’ve said before, look where God is at work and go there.

Christians have a love/hate relationship with art. They struggle to see art as ministry. Yet, we all know from our own experiences that art ministers to the soul.

On one hand, Christianity has a long history of embracing art. The Bible itself is filled with poetry, music, symbolism, craftsmanship, and imagery. The tabernacle in Exodus was designed with artistic excellence; the Psalms are literary and musical works; the Prophets often communicated through vivid images and metaphors. Christians have created some of the world’s most influential art, from the works of Michelangelo to sacred music, architecture, literature, and visual storytelling. Art is definitely a Christian endeavor.

On the other hand, Christians living in the 21st century have a complicated relationship with art. Suspicion arises around concerns about idolatry, morality, fear, and misunderstanding.

Idolatry

In biblical history, images were sometimes connected to false worship, so some Christians have been cautious about visual art. I think this is more true today than ever due to our social media driven celebrity culture.

Moral concerns

Some art explores sexuality, violence, despair, or human brokenness in ways believers see as harmful or distasteful. Hard topics make us uncomfortable. But that doesn’t mean that these are stories that shouldn’t be told. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And some art is undoubtedly disturbing.

Fear of cultural influence

Art shapes imagination. Christians often worry about being formed by culture rather than by Scripture. Which is a healthy concern. Yet, one we fail to apply to politics, social justice, and other cultural practices. The Lord remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And from the very start, God has demonstrated He is creative.

A misunderstanding of vocation

Many Christian traditions see ministry as more practical than creative. Naturally, this leaves artists wondering if their work really matters. I believe God says it does.

There is also a tension around whether art must be explicitly “Christian.” Some Christians argue art must proclaim the Gospel directly. Other believers argue that faithfully portraying truth, beauty, suffering, justice, and human dignity is in itself a reflection of God’s character, even without religious symbols.

An artist can paint a crucifixion scene or a landscape. A Christian can sketch a portrait or capture a story of human brokenness with their camera. In each of these cases, the artist is exploring something true about the world God made and the world we live in.

All art is not automatically worship, but creativity can be an act of worship. Our creative acts can be a way of advancing the story of what God has done, is doing, and continues to do throughout HIStory.

What are your thoughts on creativity and art from a Christian worldview?

Helping people see is often where spiritual transformation occurs.