Art and the Bible

The word I would use to describe this book is helpful. Which, I know isn’t the most exciting word of all time, but for some reason, it seems to fit.

I’ve read this book three times now (it’s more of an essay than a book, really), and my opinion of this book has developed with every reading. While I’ve consistently enjoyed it, my reasons for doing so have changed each time.

On the first read, it was mind-blowing. I had never really read a Christian defense of art, so to hear someone not only take the side of the creative, but to do so in such a Scripturally-sound and positive way was amazing. Schaeffer’s walkthrough of Old Testament art, how that applies to modern art, and how Christians can view and create art themselves built a foundation for a new perspective.

And on the second read, I was grateful for this perspective. In the same way that I’ve never understood why science and faith are often pitted against each other, this dichotomy between art and faith seemed equally nonsensical. Schaeffer erases any dividing lines between Christianity and art. As someone who expresses my faith creatively, I was grateful to have such a stout theologian in my corner.

And this time, I found the book helpful. It’s helpful because Schaeffer is clear, winsome, practical, and encouraging. This book isn’t just for artists, nor is it just for Christians. But if you want to know what it can look like for people created in God’s image to then go and create, this book is a great start.

Favorite Quote

As a Christian, we know why a work of art has value. Why? First, because a work of art is a work of creativity, and creativity has value because God is the Creator.