My Top Three Reads on the Theology of Art
I like to think about how my identity as an artist relates to God, and how making art relates to God as the Creator. Here are my top three reads that have helped me along in the process.
Articles
1. A Theology of Art in 5 Minutes
In this earlier episode of Ask Pastor John, John Piper gives a brief yet succinct theology on seeing God as an artist, viewing the Bible writers as artists, and the deeper and better call of the Christian to make and appreciate art.
2. A Distinctively Christian Appreciation of the Arts
Matthew Capps gives a full theology in a short article. Uniquely, he sees that “for the Christian in particular, art can be experienced as an analogical signpost bearing witness to the Author of all that is beautiful.” Therefore, “if art truly serves as a signpost, a map, then we as Christians are called to be the guides.”
3. The Christian and Art
In this three-part blog series, RC Sproul exhorts the Christian to look at and think critically about art. He does not shy away from having high standards of beauty and makes a point to confront the Christian “art” industry. He concludes by challenging our concept of “Christian” art. Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
Websites
Revitalizing the Christian imagination through painting, poetry, music, and more.
The official online journal for the Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts.
3. ArtWay
Opening eyes, hearts, and minds.
Books
1. Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer
“The lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts,” writes Francis Schaeffer. “A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God, not just as tracts, mind you, but as things of beauty to the praise of God.” Many Christians, wary of creating graven images, have steered clear of artistic creativity. But the Bible offers a robust affirmation of the arts. The human impulse to create reflects our being created in the image of a creator God.
2. Art for God’s Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts by Philip Ryken
Most art in the last fifty, or even one hundred years, has lost its beauty, particularly sacred beauty, and in response, Christians have abandoned the arts. In Art for God’s Sake, Philip Graham Ryken makes a case for both the calling of Christian artists as a ministry and for Christians as supporters of the arts.
3. The Beauty of the Lord: Theology as Aesthetics by Jonathan King
Rarely do theologians take up the theme of God’s beauty―even more rarely do they consider how God’s beauty should shape the task of theology itself. But the psalmist says that the heart of the believer’s desire is to behold the beauty of the Lord. In The Beauty of the Lord, Jonathan King restores aesthetics as not merely a valid lens for theological reflection, but an essential one. Jesus, our incarnate Redeemer, displays the Triune God’s beauty in his actions and person, from creation to final consummation. How can and should theology better reflect this unveiled beauty?
Honorable Mentions
1. Is the Church Where Creativity Goes to Die?
In this audio recording from TGC 2018 West Coast Conference, Ryan Lister and Thomas Terry talk about the place of creativity and art in the church and why they are needed.
2. How Can I See the Beauty of God?
What is God’s beauty? Can we see it? Can we feel it? If we go looking for his beauty in Scripture, what are we looking for? If we go looking for his beauty in creation, where do we find it? Tony Reinke talks with Jonathan King on DesiringGod’s Ask Pastor John podcast.
Jackie Hill Perry speaks at The Gospel Coalition 2017 National Conference on art and the church.
4. A Theology of Art in 2 Minutes
Thaddeus Williams writes for The Gospel Coalition and gives a quick yet memorable theology of art.
5. God Made You A Writer: An Invitation to Every Christian
David Mathis, executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Church in Minneapolis, was recently interviewed on the Pastor Writer podcast. The podcast mentions these two articles: Fed Up with Life and Ready to Write and God Made You a Writer: An Invitation to Every Christian.
A Lexham Press blog post adapted from Pro Rege, Volume 3 by Abraham Kuyper.