Faith and the Arts

Artisans and culture-makers are sure of one thing: There is a lot of confusion and brouhaha found at the intersection of faith and art. Among the commotion you have probably heard questions like:

What is the value of making art?

Does the Bible have stories about making art?

Can my art glorify God?

Does it have to look a certain way?

Steve Turner writes, “A key issue in the strained relationship between Christianity and the arts is the perceived division between secular and sacred.” Faith and Art are often viewed as disparate items, but what if it they aren’t? What if the two can help inform one another?

This reading list lives at the intersection of Faith and Art.

Art and the Bible (Francis A. Schaeffer)

This little book is comprised of two essays where Francis Schaeffer writes, with clarity and vigor, a robust declaration of what the Bible says about art as well as providing some unbiblical views Protestants have had about the arts. Francis Schaefer states what the Bible says about the arts and encourages us to delight in art the same way God does.

Imagine: A Vision for Christmas in the Arts (Steve Turner)

Turner takes what Schaeffer starts and runs with it. This book is a primer for those wrestling with the subject of Christian faith and the arts. In this book, the reader will get a sense that art and sound theology are strands of the same rope. As a music journalist, Turner skillfully weaves together biblical insight with historical and contemporary examples. The result is a product that casts a grand vision of artisans doing art both inside and outside the church.

For the Beauty of The Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts (W. David O. Taylor)

W. David O. Taylor brings together a number of voices to inspire the church, both in its life and mission, with an expansive vision for the arts. This book covers a wide range of topics such as arts interplay with culture-making and corporate worship. It also has essays on how the artist shapes their pastor’s identity as well as how a pastor can shepherd and nurture the artist in the local church. This book seeks to develop a future where the arts thrive and flourish in our churches, seminaries, cities, and beyond.