#discussionrecap

This week, during the class discussion, one thing that especially stood out to me was a comment that the professor made. She stated that art is already valuable, therefore, as an artist, one cannot fail. Our job as artists isn’t to create value or perfection, because God’s taken care of that part. Instead, we can strip the stress away and begin displaying that value in our own unique ways and through our individual processes. When this happens, failure isn’t even part of the equation - only a raw, unrestrained, whimsical kind of expression.

Another remark that Tina made during this class session was, “My creativity is not an accident.” If this is true, that means I can unapologetically and freely follow the creativity that God has placed inside of me. I wish I could remember this more often. I think if I did, not so many of my dreams would be crumpled up pieces of paper in the trashcan, and maybe some of my ideas would finally leave the drawing board. 

Where is the line between allowing art to become an idol and using art to glorify God? Before this class, I felt like I could have given a half-considered answer that I would have been “satisfied” with. However, this class is making me see that sometimes you have to dig deeper and stop being satisfied with surface answers that seem “easy.”

Our class discussion got me thinking about the Old Testament Ark of the Covenant. This box was commanded by God to be crafted by the Israelites. It was intricate, detailed, elaborate, ornate, and magnificent. It was designed was great precision and very talented handiwork. The Ark of the Covenant was a piece of art. At first glance, one could easily take this art as an idol. However, the Ark was more. It had a purpose. It’s intended function was to ultimately act as an earthly throne for God. Its glamor and richness pointed to God’s glory, power, and greatness. It commanded awe from its onlookers. 

However, I believe that some people did make the Ark an idol. As soon as people placed more worth on the gold box than the one whose Spirit was enthroned on the seraphims’ wings, then it became an idol. But that was not the original purpose that God intended. I believe that He wanted this piece of art to only point to Him and His authority in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, I believe that this should be the purpose behind all art. However, as discussed in class, we, as viewers, won’t always know the original purpose or intent behind a work of art. So I believe that we have to just focus on ourselves and whether or not we are glorifying God with our art (or the art we are observing) or whether we are elevating it above the Creator of art. 

This week, during our class discussion I was able to really gather information and learn from the perspectives and ideas of others in the class. I enjoyed our discussion about the possible “sins” or just “don’t do’s” in art when you are a Christian artist. 

Some questions that came up in my mind during the discussion were: Are there any “off-limits” sections for Christians in the arts? Who determines the fine lines of what and what not to create as a Christian artist? How do you communicate your spirituality and faith through your art? 

As our discussion progressed, I definitely found that there are no real clear cut answers to these questions. However, I think that ultimately, we cannot call what an artist creates “sinful” or “un-Christian” because we don’t know that heart or intent of that artist. We have to leave that up to God and simply enjoy the artist’s creativity.