Categories: Christian Commentary

Controversy is Christian: Art and the Christian

Ok so I want to start a weekend topic dealing with subject matters that are controversial.  Yep  stuff you’re not gonna like.  Or at least will have a strong opinion about.  Actually, I want this to be a lively debate about what you think, and more importantly, why you think what you do.

So lets me lay a groundwork.  When doing a devotional reading I noticed that God in the book of Genesis made two types of tree.  Those that were good for food, and those that were pleasing to the eye.

Gen 2:9 KJV

And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; (italics mine)

Now this is interesting to me.  Because why not just make trees that were functional.  In other words who cares about trees that look good?  Well based on this scripture apparently God does.  Beauty has a function all its own.  Apparently, food alone is not sufficient for man’s existence.  Beauty is also important.  It also serves a function in creation.

So this leads to my discussions.  Art serves no purpose right?  I don’t think its a stretch to say that art in all its forms is an extension of this ‘beauty’ that God deems important.

Art doesn’t feed you, it won’t keep you warm, it won’t satisfy mans need for sexual gratification.  What purpose then does art serve?  The same purpose as the trees of beauty apparently.  Somehow, beauty is important to God, and he thought it important to man.  Is art to the inner man what food is to the outer man?

So here are my questions.

Does all art have to be Christian themed?

Does all music have to Christian themed?

Does all writing have to Christian themed?

Literature, music, and visual arts can all be classified under the category of ‘art’.

Are Christians limited to listening to music, literature, and visual works of art that are not Christ centric?

Think about it?  In my community we talk about secular music, and Christian (gospel music) We really look down on people who listen to something other than gospel.  Why?

Is this standard applicable to literature?  Visual art?

Why?

So give me your comments.  I’m curious (especially from believers) what you thoughts are.  But hey non-Christians feel free to chime in as well!

Do we Christians have issues with art that is none Christ centric?  If so why?

Remember be respectful! I’m looking forward to hearing your views!

Donovan

Donovan M. Neal is the Amazon best-selling independently published author of the Third Heaven Series: a speculative Christian fantasy four book series that explores the captivating story about the fall of Lucifer. The book takes readers on an epic journey through the celestial realms, offering a unique perspective on the events surrounding Lucifer’s rebellion and his descent into darkness. In this imaginative tale, Donovan weaves together elements of Christian theology, angelic mythology, and fantastical world-building. The story delves into the cosmic conflict between good and evil, painting a vivid picture of the spiritual warfare that unfolded in the heavens. Donovan has published eleven books and is currently working on publishing five more in the year 2023 alone. His books have reached thirteen countries including India, Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil and across Europe, Canada and the US. He has sold over thirty thousand units of his books and generated over a quarter million in gross sales part time and without an agent. Donovan has produced fiction; non-fiction and most recently published a graphic novel. His genre of preference is fantasy and he has been named among such notable authors as Frank Perretti, Brian Godawa, and the late Dr. Michael S. Heiser. When he’s not writing or working, Donovan can be found gaming or enjoying various forms of media. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and a graduate degree in Non-profit Management from Walden University. Prior to his current career, Donovan served in ordained ministry from 1993-2011 and has extensive experience teaching the Bible. You can learn more about him professionally if you would like by clicking here. His favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He also enjoys gaming and can be found on the Playstation5 deep in Destiny 2, He’s owned most gaming systems all the way back from Atari and Pong! and has made several friends from his beloved days on World of Warcraft. A lover of such classics as chess and backgammon he loves most games and the strategy behind them. When he is not imagining comic conflicts between good and evil he is helping to secure employment for housing insecure women as the Executive Director of a non-profit in the city of Detroit and also serves in the prayer and discipleship ministry of his local church.

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