Creativity and Art: Do Evangelicals side step its relevance?

The first attribute that God reveals of His Being in Genesis 1 is the fact that He is a creative God: "in the beginning God created..."
Scripture also teaches us that He created us in His likeness, therefor we are also created with the capacity to be creative.

There are two obvious extremes among Christians with relation to this topic, as some see any art and creativity as acceptable and others as inherently wrong or evil (worldly) and part of the devil's domain.

But what is the role of creativity and art in the 21st century church? And what place and relevance should it have in the individual creative believer's life, as member of both society and as a part of the body of Christ?
Is it only to be used for the kingdom of God and to propagate the Gospel and perhaps decorating our homes?
Or does God command us to use it in a wider sense?
Why is it a topic that so little has been spoken about?
Where do we go for guidance regarding this issue and what do we use as yardstick in our interpretations?

These are some questions and thoughts that I would like to open for consideration and comment.

(Coming from a believer, artist, art teacher, university student, father, parent, missionary)

https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=38103&forum=35&7

Follow the link for a previous discussion on Art and Christianity fairly good dialogue that may touch your question.

God Bless,
Matthew

Thoughts / Replies:

1) Jesus Christ was there as a Creative in Genesis 1:1. Jesus was there with the Trinity at Creation. Jesus was the great "I AM" who existed before Abraham (John 8:58). Wisdom and understanding are the manner in which the Triune, Almight God created the earth and sky. "He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding." - Jeremiah 51:15.

2) When the Ark and Tabernacle were built after the Exodus in the wilderness crossing, the Spirit of God inspired creativity. All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair (Exodus 35:26). These women were creative. Almighty God filled Bezaleel and Aholiab "with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver...[to devise]...cunning work (Exodus 35:35). These two men were a creative team. They devised and crafted work and invented ways to produce what needed to be made. Wisdom is the power to be creative and to perceive what others do not perceive and to invent what others have not yet invented.

3) Jesus was creative in His Words and Works. He said and did many things that others had never experienced before. Even the wind and waves obeyed him (Mark 4:41). The Words of Jesus in the Sermon On the Mount and at other times were creative and powerful and unlike words that others had spoken. Where Jesus worked, devils were cast out and at least one dumb person began to speak such that multitudes marveled saying that it had never before been like such in Israel. (Mark 9:33)

4) Creativity and art are expressions of culture. The Great Commission of Matthew 28:20 is a call to go out into all the world and to engage in relationship with ethnic peoples and languages and creative art and creative cultures to make disciples of Jesus Christ who was the Incarnation of Creative Power and Wisdom.

Or does God command us to use it in a wider sense?

The World that God made is ART! Animals, insects, sea creatures, mountains, etc, etc.

Can you enlighten us on your quote above?

Why would God command? Doesn't He just instill in each person giftings and we should use our giftings to the glory of God and also be led by the Holy Spirit?

Have you had objectionable experiences with Evangelicals regarding your "art"?

I am not an artist, however, I appreciate beauty.

If the Holy Spirit dwells within, and he being a part of the Trinity, this person will have the capacity to be creative. Since this is the case, ones' creation will reflect beauty, the beauty that God placed within a person.

As I grow in my walk with the LORD I am seeing my own ability to create beauty increase...this is remarkable as I have no natural ability to create - I can copy something, but to deviate from it and make it beautiful, forget it! I still do not think my creativity is anything to brag about, but the fact that there is a growing ability is. It provides one with much pleasure and delight. And one is never too old to learn and create.

Got to run. But I hope you will get more responses. It will be interesting to see what others have to say...I have more but do not have the time, now.

Thanks for all the replies so far. Please continue - I appreciate every response...

I feel the urge to make it clear that my thread was not meant for controversy and I haven't had any specific objectionable experience with anyone in the body of Christ regarding my own art. There are also no "hidden" messages in my thread. I am limited with the vocabulary to put across what I think I wanted to. Forgive me.

It is just an area where I have been seeking the Lord in a deeper way. Very little has been written (or spoken in sermons) on this topic by the Evangelic church, therefor it seems to be an neglected area. It is generally a topic that goes without any or very little opinion from Evangelicals. That is with the exception of people like Francis Schaeffer and others affiliated to the L'Abri fellowships, like the late art historian Hans Rookmaaker.

Please refer us to any worthwhile links to websites and papers, books, etc that shed heavenly light on this topic.

God bless you all!

Dear Nathan4Jesus

Thanks for your opinion and replying to my thread.

God bless you and keep you dependent on Him for everything.

Joseph

"Scripture also teaches us that He created us in His likeness, therefor we are also created with the capacity to be creative. "

JoeGrey, this is a great topic, and is closer to where people live then they may first suspect.

"But what is the role of creativity and art in the 21st century church?"

I think it's helpful for people who don't consider themselves to be artists, to see that creativity and art are really two different things. You are naturally creative even you are not involved in some type of artistic craft or pursuit. Also, it is important for people to understand that art is not concerned merely with surface appeal. Art should be connected to an idea that otherwise would not be seen.

In this light, Christians in particular should be among the most creative of all people as we are awakened to care about more then just the surface of life. We believe in and care about deeper truths, refusing to let ourselves be defined by social status, religous identities, educational pedigrees, family histories, political power, economic pressures, or even our own prior assumptions, and this will certainly lead to innovative thought. In other words, the Christian life is not passive, but is generative, and even regenerative.

"It doth not yet appear what we shall be." 1 John 3:2.

God has made us all to be creative. Witness our unmistakable ability to create in the simple act of spoken langauge. Language is not merely surface words, but original thought expressed. Consider that both a parrot and a 5 year old child can make word sounds, but only the child can make brand new sentences that no one taught him to say. So in this sense, creativity is the result of being conscious, of aware of deeper ideas...even previously unconnected ideas, and expressing them in word or action.

Now, I do believe looking for deeper things below the surface can often be very disruptive, and so requires an emotional and intellectual engagement to not just the arts, but all areas of life. Creativitiy is not just the ability to create but to destroy. It is consciously unlearning what we have unconsconsciously learned. It requires breaking things, or turning them upside down, or admitting when we have failed in order to begin again. In spiritual terms it requires repentence in even the smallest insignificant ways in order to move forward in the big picture.

With a tendency to challenge, investigate, and confront everything it encounters, we can see why people prefer creativity to be classified as a nonessential virtue we can live without. Thankfully, the Lord doesn't let us ignore creativity for very long...he knows how to use pressure and messy situations to help us to change, just like a potter enjoys getting his hands dirty with clay:)

I like this from Oswald Chambers..."The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty... Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation."

MC

I have been wondering why is it that most Christians are void of creativity! Even moreso I have been wondering why God seems to have blessed homosexuals with such creative talents.

That is one outrageous, crazy statement.

God did not bless homosexuals with creative talents, He blessed people with talents.

Who owns the networks? Who has an agenda to make homosexuality mainstream? They use Television and put the homosexuals on many of the home shows and art shows.

But please, many people that are Christians have creative art talents and use them for God's glory. They just don't blow their horn.

Hi Joe,

Like others have said, our Creator was quite creative in the designing of this world. The Bible says that God spoke the world into creation. In fact, the things that He created declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1) and that they were also the work of His fingers (Psalm 8:3-4) that cause us to consider Him (Psalm 8:4). Later, God inspired the creation of works -- like the Temple and the Ark. God is creative...and we were created in His own image.

So, the creative works of God were designed to capture our attention and declare God's glory. Likewise, the things that we create -- whether through music or physical work -- should be to do the same.

The great composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, wrote, "The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul."

Remember, the Psalms are filled with reference to skillful, musical creativity where God is the center and focus. David was "cunning" in his skill with the harp (I Samuel 16:18). An unnamed psalmist said that we should sing a "new song" and play "skillfully" (Psalm 33:3). I think that the inspiration for our creativity should be derived from Christ.

By the way, I love to explore in nature. Ever since I came to Christ, I have enjoyed just watching the sunset and looking at the stars each night -- because they do declare God's glory. During college, I used to drive alone to the beach just to pray early in the morning as the sun rose along the Texas coast.

There was just something about seeing the order to the world that God designed (like the ocean) that causes us to contemplate our place in God's will.

I love to go hiking and camping. We live in Northern California, and there are plenty of beautiful places to see. Brother Mike ("crsschk" -- one of our former SermonIndex moderators who lives nearby) once mentioned a road to me through the mountains to Lake Tahoe that almost takes my breath away for its beauty.

My wife and I often drive along the scenic, rural, ocean-side Highway 1 (near our house). There is a hill behind the Stanford University campus near our home where we can hike and see the entire area -- including the bay, the Redwoods and all of the surrounding mountains. We even recently trekked to the observatories on the top of nearby Mt. Hamilton -- but more to see the views than any of the 27 telescopes.

I even bought a nice wide-angle camera to try (often unsuccessfully) to capture all of these moments of beauty.

These things are beautiful to me because I know that they are the work of God's hands. He is the designer of this world and all of the order within it. He designed the stars, the Sun and the Earth -- and even all of the microscopic things within it. It is He who designed the "golden ratio" by which much beauty is measured.

As for paintings: We have a wonderful painting hanging up in our home. I think that, as a painting without words, it says so much.

http://tinyurl.com/forgivenpainting

Thanks for those insights Compton.

To all who view this thread, I have asked for any links and thought it good to give some for mp3 sermons/lectures:

http://www.labri-ideas-library.org/lecture-list.asp?s=1077

http://www.labri-ideas-library.org/lecture-list.asp?s=1078

Books:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/MODERN-ART-DEATH-CULTURE-PB/dp/0891077995

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Bible-Classics-Francis-Schaeffer/dp/083083401X/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Feel free to add some of your own.

I studied to be a visual artist at Goldsmiths College in London before I was converted. I havent found any use for the training since, to be honest.
When you talk about art and creativity in a western sense, then you are never far from the twin foundations of humanism and narcissism. They seem to operate together, interdependently. Art is almost always ego-centric, about personal expression...as for Bach and his "refreshing the human soul" error, that is just plain old humanist delusion, you know, we are refined because we have concertos, galleries, libraries full of books, more culturally advanced than the heathen etc, all prideful euro-centric anti christian delusional nonsense. Its the anointing that breaks the yoke, Christ in us the hope of Glory. Its His presence that heals, restores and refreshes the (redeemed and blood washed) Spirit of man. Music or visual art of itself simply cannot do it, other than breed pride, another form of godliness that denies the power thereof. Thats why God had to shed blood to redeem us, nothing, absolutely nothing else will work. Isnt it interesting that the big opera houses, galleries, museums etc (at least until recently, with the advent of internationalist modernism) were derived from the greek temple model...
My genuine and sincere advice would be quit fretting about how to produce art, or even wether or not to proceed with it. Rather seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and these things will be added to you, pursue God (I am sure you already are friend), ask Him for Fire and believe he will send it on you, tarrying it was once called. He has a plan for your future. It is exciting. Oh Lord when you start to experience the Glory of God you begin to wonder why such trifling details once had such a big hold over you....
shalom, Jonathan

Thank you for all your input, I really appreciate it. I relate positively to a lot of what was shared. I will respond with a personal testimony...

I was reminded of the time, some years ago when I repented and came to faith and trusted Jesus Christ and His Blood. It was a wonderful conversion experience that I thank God for even this moment. I was, at that time, working at an art museum, studying art and a practicing artist who was pursuing a very ambitious art career.

Initially, after my conversion, I felt to stop art completely. I couldn't see the sense in it in the light of eternity and my newly found faith. Later, God called me into full-time service as a missionary. In a sense I think I abhorred art but that did not rid me of the creativity that was within me. I probably felt that I couldn't serve the Lord and be an artist, which is true ... we cannot serve two masters.

But then, a few years down the line after maturing in my relationship with Christ, God started opening doors for me to produce art again. God later led me into teaching art at a mission school, and out of that He sent me to complete my art studies.

The most amazing revelation that the Lord gave me personally regarding my art was when He showed me the following...

Background:
I am in full time Christian service not for the money, but rather the heavenly calling of Jesus Christ on my life. He has an eternal claim on me.
Providing for my family is at times a great challenge in my situation. Sometimes I pray for money, and God sends art commissions. And this is how He taught me more about seeking His kingdom first and the rest will be added...

The lesson (Matthew 17:27)
When Peter came to Jesus with the problem of money for taxes, Jesus didn't do a miracle or just sent Peter to a stone saying "under that stone will be enough money for both our taxes". No, Jesus commanded him to go fishing and said that the first fish would have enough to pay his taxes and the Lord's. Jesus sent him to do what he knew, what he was trained and gifted in. But we must also remember the context with regards to what we are discussing... Peter had previously left fishing, after Jesus clearly said to him "follow Me" (Matthew 4:18-20). That was Peter's expression of "Seek ye first..." But, now Peter was fishing, because Jesus commanded him to do so. Under Christ's charge he went fishing. There is a whole sermon and teaching locked up in this passage, but no time for that right now.

In conclusion, art can not save or cleanse anyone, only the Son of God and His precious Blood can. With this said, art is not inherently evil. The devil might want us to think so. Art has a place in our lives. It is like the gift of music or sex. It is something made by God for us, for human beings. The issue here is how and why it is done.

God has given art to us for different purposes, and the most holiest of these is to reflect His glory, but even in that it is the spirit in which it is done, not the subject matter. It doesn't have to be about a Biblical theme for it to be God glorifying, or to hang in a church building. Art is also there for us to enjoy, for others to enjoy and appreciate what we as artists make with God's gift in us. Art is also a means to communicate, a language. And lastly it is a tool, a God given means to provide for ourselves, our family and His church. The same as the farmer would use his gift to grow and sell a crop for an income.

Isn't this maybe something we all need to prayerfully consider. Instead of letting believers whom God has blessed with a creative/artistic talent think it sinful or less spiritual, rather teach them a Biblical perspective on it. Yes, that art can become like any other idol... sport, movies, ambition, talents, money, etc. But, no it is not wrong in itself.

Such a holy thing as prayer was the very thing that revealed the sinful self-righteousness of the pharisee in Luke 18:9-14. It is not the prayer (or art), but rather the heart, motive, attitude and spirit in which we do it.

By this I do not say that God may not take gift of art temporarily or even completely away from some of His children, for whatever reason He feels fit. He can and may do anything that pleases Him. He surely has done it before.

Let us prayerfully, and in wisdom seek God in this area that has been neglected oftentimes in the past.

It is a vital aspect of human nature - the urge to create and express - and as such the art object is a second-order reflection of God. God's image, which we bear, is reflected again in art. As such, art can help us to see and understand God (or maybe this is just condemnable humanism?).

I have to say yes indeed it is condemnable humanism (in fact, as Mr Gurnall wrote some 400 years ago,

"The philosophy called humanism has long been a suitor to man’s pride. It boasts in his natural strength and wisdom, and woos him with promises of great accomplishments now, and heaven later".

When you start to accept that an art object can reflect God, even in a "second order" fashion (to begin with), then you opened the door to image worship, iconography, idolatry and all the associated pride, and eventual spiritual corruption. A god that is made in mans image and revered as such.

A pattern emerges in Scripture, a connection between Israelite idolatry and Israelite bondage. Does God ever speak positively about images, idols, statues, asherah poles, baaals etc? Gideons decisive breakthrough step was to chop down the local asherah pole and burn it. Josiah and Hezekiah both had to break up the Israelites' images and idols before the temple could be cleansed and reinstated for sacrifices and worship. Its true that no object can "reflect God", although many religious forms of godliness would disagree. LOL look at the riot in Ephesus when the silversmith idol makers thought (knew, actually) that their trade was under direct threat because of Paul preaching the full on gospel around Asia. LOL when they kept chanting great is diana etc etc, it reminds me of the prophets of baal when they tried to confront Elijah when they shouted and hollered and yelled. The ephesians must have really believed that their statues reflected their god/s supposed glory. But Almighty God has the final word.

I went to Singapore many years ago. I walked around the old city as it was then, praying and witnessing, there was some real opposition and danger. One time I came across an idol carving shop district. Inside the temples they had small statues in glass cases. Interesting places to prayer walk! I thought where have I seen all this stuff before? Oh yes as a boy in Majorca, in a catholic cathedral, they even had the same incense sticks....
shalom, Jonathan

Hi Firetime,

So, how would you reconcile music? It is encouraged in Scripture -- and it certainly falls under the definition of "creativity" and "art."

Yes, I do believe that there are selfish and even humanistic motivations for art. However, art encompasses many forms. Music, pictures, paintings, poems and eve photographs are considered "art." Roads, buildings and gardens are designed with creativity. Even the logo and layout for this website is considered "art" and takes a degree of creativity.

I have a difficult time concurring with the opinion that creativity and expressions of that creativity are intrinsically evil or humanistic -- especially since we are created in the image of God. In the Old Covenant, God had men fashion the Ark of the Covenant and Temple (complete with golden pomegranates).

Again, I think that it comes down to the motivation for what it is that we do. Our very lives are meant to be poured out for God's glory. This isn't limited merely to our sense of logic, but to our creativity as well.

"When you start to accept that an art object can reflect God, even in a "second order" fashion (to begin with), then you opened the door to image worship, iconography, idolatry and all the associated pride, and eventual spiritual corruption."

So the Psalms are not a reflection of God? or Song of Songs?

Please tell me your kidding? David was by far the most Artistic individual of the Bible and He what he wrote is exactly that a Reflection of God.

Also We find in the Old Testament in Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers and then through out all of the Old Testament God is reflected in the Ark of the Covenant, the Temple, the outer court, the inner court, etc

Oh and then we have Christ who used Parables and Stories to reveal the Kingdom of God to us in terms we better understand, I am guessin those weren't a reflection of God?

Artist still to this day can write, sculpt, or whatever they do as long as it Lines Up with the Word of God, then by that is a Reflection of God. We as Christians artist or not are reflections of God as Christ moves and works in us. Deny art and freedom of expression and you deny many their way communicate the Gospel with others.

Do people miss use the arts? Most certainly but you also have people miss use the bible but we don't throw the baby out with the bath water do we? There is definitely a difference between Art Appreciation and Idolatry, know the difference.

Any good Christian Artist knows they weren't genetically blessed but God has graciously given them a tool to use for the King of Glory.

i think the main reason for this division in beliefs is the way people try to conect with the allmighty

the evangelical ,sees faith as the way to conect with god ,not throuh any other means , other wise the means can become an idol,and and one can end up concentraiting on the means ,and compleatly the end ,which is god

one can be come addicted and relianent on images as the catalests to a relationship ,the the invisable god

the worship can become a carnal practic ,useing the lust of the eyes

besides that the old testament talks about not making images ,to try to conect with the devine ,, becasue it can lead to idoarty ,and has done

i would think theses are the main reasons why we have this division

jesus said the father is looking for those who will worship him in the spirit

the even gelacial fundamentle ,point of view is ,this type of worship ,does not require images to broing one into the spirit

the deciple said to jesus ,look at the butafull temple , but jesus was quick to say this wil be torn down ,and never simpathised with the glory of the temple

the bible talks abut people changing the image of the incoraptabe invisable, in to a crouptabel image

i believe humans have the tendance to want to see god in creation and recieve more joy through creation,then through prayer and bible study ,and sermons ,

and are in many case tho not all ,,are missing the personal relatonship with the living god ,which can and is reveled through prayer ,and his writtern word

many anointed men of the past ,who trigger of awakening ,new this truth ,and whole countryes came under conviction of gods presesnce in a miraclulas short amout of time , by beleive that god can be found in prayer with out the need of created images

i firmly believe this

the spirit of god want all of our atention ,he him self by him self can draw men it to deep prayer with out the need of anything that has been created by men

fasting is also the denile of the created things , in favour of the spirit of god

deep union comes from turing to the spirit ,with out created things

many maters new this truth ,wile in jail ,they only had the spirit of god and there gift of faith ,god santifies the use of the spirit of our mind to be the means ,we comunacate with the spirit of god in it fulness

some of the most spirtual stroug matters needed nothing but prayer and hyms and psalms ,, to find the joy and the peace that contuualy passed all understanding ,,,,,,,,and gladly were put to death in this state of peace ,,,,,,not needing any images to help them ,,,,,except maby the images of sufering that they saw in the jails

seek god through his invisable spirit ,,rather then through the created images of his creatours ,and you will find more of god ,and less of his creation,,,for ceation is coruptthe bible is clear ,,,we dont need to seek god throuh coruption of any image of crouption

that is the main reason there is a division

the bible say love not the world or the things that are in the world all that is in the world ,the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is not of the father ,but is of the world ,and the world is passing away , the leter of peter reveals this

we can love art to much ,and we are not comanded to do this

the bible says through the foolishing of preaching ,shale the gosple be propagated ,and through psalms and hyms and spiritual songs

so i think for the evenegelical ,he will choose to follow the means set forth in the bible as the way the truth ,and will not as the bible says ,,go passed what is writtern ,or add or take away from what is writtern ,,,and i beleiev they are justafied in doing so due to the truth in scripture and the history of those who were marted