The Artistic Sphere
How did the Reformation impact the relationship between faith and the arts? Edited by Roger D. Henderson and Marleen Hengelaar-Rookmaaker, The Artistic Sphere presents the arts in Neo-Calvinist perspective.
Clocking in at around 400 pages - this book is a bulwark. It is divided into four sections for structure: (1) Roots, (2) art history, (3) aesthetics, and (4) theology and art. While the chapters vary in length, they all read quick and well. There is a cohesiveness to the entire collection.
Art, Meaning, and Truth
The book begins by going straight to the sources of Calvin and Kuyper see what they said about art. I was most interested to read that Kuyper saw the visual-arts as a God-given part of creation. He said that God does see and hear our art. It is important to him and it should be done well.
Hans R. Rookmaaker contributes a chapter on Art, Meaning, and Truth. He says that the modern Christian artist has freedom — but this freedom is for loving God and neighbors. Interestingly, E. John Waldorf writes that the Christian art historian also has freedom, but there is also opportunity to view art through the distinctive lens of biblical truth.
The Elusive Quest for Beauty
The middle of the book tackles aesthetics. I was particularly intrigued to see Calvin Seerveld discuss imaginativity. God, being a creator, demonstrated proper use of the imagination. The Christian has the responsibility to use his imagination well — again, by loving God and loving neighbors.
The end of the book finds William Edgar writing on The Elusive Quest for Beauty and the excellent Victoria Emily Jones expounding on Fifty-Plus Years of Art and Theology: 1970 to Today. Jones touches on the need for art education in religious institutions, while also suggesting partnerships between religious and secular institutions. This book is a monumental work, and one that will help you worship God as we reflect his glory in creating.
I received a media copy of The Artistic Sphere and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.