Christian Perspective on Art
This is taken from Francis A Schaeffer's work "Some Perspectives on Art"
As Christians 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. The first sentence in the Bible declares "In the beginning God created the heaves and the earth".
Second, an art work has value as a creation because human beings are made in the image of God, and therefore we not only can love and feel emotion, but we also have the capacity to create. In fact it is part of the image of God to be creative, or to have creativity. We never find an animal, non-human, making a work of art. On the other hand, we never find people anywhere in the world or in any culture in the world who do not product art. Creativity is intrinsic to our humanness. (Though the Old Testament forbids the making of "graven images" used in idolatry, it uses art and craftsmen in the making of God's true worship, Exodus 20:4; Exodus 25:18; 2 Chronicles 3:6, 7 etc).
As Christians 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. The first sentence in the Bible declares "In the beginning God created the heaves and the earth".
Second, an art work has value as a creation because human beings are made in the image of God, and therefore we not only can love and feel emotion, but we also have the capacity to create. In fact it is part of the image of God to be creative, or to have creativity. We never find an animal, non-human, making a work of art. On the other hand, we never find people anywhere in the world or in any culture in the world who do not product art. Creativity is intrinsic to our humanness. (Though the Old Testament forbids the making of "graven images" used in idolatry, it uses art and craftsmen in the making of God's true worship, Exodus 20:4; Exodus 25:18; 2 Chronicles 3:6, 7 etc).
Nice web site that I have visited for the first time. It seems we have the same interests and philosphy of life. Amazing to think we are made in the image of God! I'll "tune" in again. Thanks---Dorothy