Art and Christianity

It seems that many in the Christian world today have almost a disdain for anything "artsy". Small knick-knacks from a Christian bookstore are acceptable, but to seek out an actual work of art or to place an artwork in a Cathedral or Chapel is, by some, looked down upon. It's amazing to think that we've gone from the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo's iconic image of the Hand of God giving life to Adam, to chapels with no adornments or artworks at all. Is it out of a sense of piety that we avoid artistic creativity? Has our desire to be humble made us afraid to surround ourselves with beauty, even though God himself created all things that are beautiful? Have we limited our human impulse to create? And if so, are we denying the part of ourselves that reflects our being created in the image of a Creator God?

Francis August Schaeffer (30 January 1912 - 15 May 1984), an American Evangelical Christian theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor, is most famous for his writings and his establishment of the L'Abri community in Switzerland. Many of his books discussed art and its relationship to religion. From his book "Art and the Bible":

"The lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts"

"... if Christianity is really true, then it involves the whole man, including his intellect and creativeness."

I came across the inscription SDG, used by J.S. Bach on many of his compositions. SDG, which stands for "Soli Deo Gloria", is taken from Romans 16:27 and Jude 25, and translates, "To the only God's glory". He believed that all works, sacred or secular, should be created to the glory of God.

I love the idea of placing such an inscription on a work of art, and have started incorporating this inscription - SDG - to my artworks.

He spoke of the three characteristics, or virtues, of Christianity - the good, the true, and the beautiful.

He stated that "God is the supreme Artist", his work is full of goodness and beauty. The Bible states "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows forth his handiwork" .

God Himself is the supreme Artist, the original Creator. Before man even held a paint brush or considered creating a work of art, the craftsmanship of Christ was made evident in our own creation, for "We are fearfully and wonderfully made".

While listening to R.C. Sproul's sermon, he mentioned a painting that I had never seen before. It was a Rembrandt, entitled "Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem". The depth of emotion portrayed in this painting gives the viewer a sense of what it is like to see the destruction of a people that you've loved and warned that there would be consequences to their actions. It also gives a slight hint at the study, the consideration, and the emotion Rembrandt himself felt when reading the story of Jeremiah.

It seems that when I'm trying to find truly great examples of Christian art, the old masters from centuries ago are unmatched. Works from Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and others from their time have truly transcended their era.

Does Christian art have to depict a religious scene to be Christian art? Can art justify itself simply by existing? I keep referencing the sermon by R.C. Sproul because it put into words the exact feelings I have always had about art, but could never articulate correctly. The subject does not need to depict a religious scene to be Christian art - if it is good, true, and beautiful then it is bearing witness to the Author of the good, the true, and the beautiful.

Very few of my artworks actually depict a Christian theme. One of my sculptures "Wandering Soul" (above), is not religious in any way. Neither is "Blaze" (right). They simply depict some of the many beautiful images from the world around us, and just as J.S. Bach inscribed his secular works, each of these sculptures is inscribed with SDG.