The Impact Of Art On The Life Of The Believer

We are also shown how these different forms of art change over time and how different cultures have adopted them and used them as their own form of art to express emotion, love, creativity, and passion. This book teaches us how art is viewed in different ways by the church and was very informative for me to obtain a better and deeper understanding of art and how the churches valued it.

Art and the Bible is an interesting approach at looking at art in all of its forms. It also answers the question what is the place of art in the Christian life? Along with the question it tries to put a general perspective on art. The different types of art that are mentioned are writing, painting, poetry, drama and music. The question is answered by looking in the Bible and finding specific example regarding art in all of its forms. The general perspectives on art are looked at in eleven points. I will also critique this book and give my personal opinion.

Many artists have broken old traditions by allowing a shroud of their faith and many others have not needed or intended to do so. The clash between religion and art beckons controversy and the wrath of family and community. Despite the sensitivities, ideas, or faiths of any given group or person, religion should not create taboo stipulations on any type of art. [1a]

To categorize art by such vague criteria as expression and form would be difficult if it were not for the several prevailing theories presented by Tolstoy and Bell. According to Tolstoy’s theory of expression, something is art only if it successfully does the following. First, it must have been created with the intention of being art and revealed to an audience through a publicly accessible medium, even if the audience is a single individual. These mediums must be physical things such as shapes, actions, or words in order to be available to its viewers. Second, the medium of art must be an individualized work that has not been replicated or mass-produced. Third, he believes that the art must convey the feeling or emotion that the artist experienced while producing the art. This emotion must also be evoked within the audience. Lastly, the work must require self-mediation or clarification in order to be interpreted by said audience as art. As a result, a work is not required to be about something in order to be art.

Art, by definition, is works created by artists: paintings, sculptures, etc., that are created to be beautiful or to express important ideas or feelings (Merriam-Webster).

Throughout the Bible, God helps us understand beauty by using pieces of art. Francis Schaeffer helps his readers understand God’s appreciation of art with his book revised in 2006 entitled, Art and the Bible. Schaeffer helps the reader find new insights into the background of the arts in the Bible, intrigues the reader with at least three perspectives on art and helps the reader relate art to his or her life.

Just as it’s human nature to believe in something larger or more powerful than oneself, it is also human nature to express that divinity through art, this is proven time and time again in human history. Picturing the divine is a type of testimony to show a cultures greatness. The painting Arhats Giving Alms to Beggars comes from the Chinese culture of the Southern Song period. Whereas, the mosaic Christ as Pantocrator comes from the Byzantine culture of the Greek Orthodox tradition. Although these paintings come from very different backgrounds both cultures show the divine and their pressure on mankind to follow the rules, such as giving away worldly desires. By doing so and letting go of material possessions, mankind can be hopeful of

Since the dawn of society, religion and art have been intertwined with the purpose of conveying a message. Religious artwork allows individuals to come together under one cause and share a meaningful relationship with one another. For

No longer was art the province of religion, it became an entertainment, a pleasure and an aspiration

The article Art and Religion by Daniel Grant is an interesting piece. Grant looks at how religious paintings and sculptures have changed significantly over time. Back in the Western world painting and sculpting religious subjects was a job, but in today's world fewer artist focus on biblical narratives. In today’s world it seems as through painters have to censor their work because it may “offend” someone or it might be “too religious”. Therefore because less people required or wanted religious paintings and sculptures, multiply “art ministries” have been opened. Art ministries are exhibition venues that display religious and spiritual dimensions.

What defines art? Art essentially encounters an idea, and expresses the labor for its own existence. Artists such as Jackson Pollock stand out as an expressionism painter. Jackson Pollock (1912-1956), the youngest of five siblings died at an early age of 44; as a result, shortly after his death Pollock’s paintings became very famous (Halsall). In addition, Pollock experienced poverty thru his childhood that led up towards his alcoholism (Sue). Throughout Pollock’s struggles and ups and downs his paintings signified an illusion work of art that tricks the human eyes. As an expressionism painter Jackson Pollock draws an illusion of expressional art depicting the foreplay of, surrealism, mannerism, and chaotic. Out of a hand full of paintings

Since artists’ creativity is a reflection of the image of God, it is important that we understand their meaning before rejecting their work. On the most basic level, we should appreciate the work of art because its creativity and order reminds us that all people are created in the image of God. Beyond that, we don’t always understand creativity at first glance. We need to be careful to not reject a piece of simply because we don’t understand it because misunderstanding an artist’s work can lead to the rejection of a God honoring piece and a missed opportunity to understand its meaning.

Debate over the definition of art has developed for hundreds, if not thousands of years. People have spent millions of dollars and given years of their lives to the craft called art. However, there has not been an agreement on what the definition of art is because it tends to be a very vague concept incorporating many cultures and ideas. It has proven itself to be an effective tool in the human expression over the years preserving deep and personal feelings along with history. Art can be defined as the creation of beauty through expression with skillful use of creativity, design, and manipulation of the viewers’ emotions.

Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary[1][1] defines art as “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects; also, works so produced.” This definition is inclusive of most forms of art. Unfortunately, art goes far beyond this limiting sentence. Art can be thoughts, aesthetic creations, musical compositions, or choreography. Art can be seen, heard, and/or felt. Art is concrete and abstract, at the same time. Art is expression and emotion. Art is anything.

"The Art of God is full of His Heart, Full of Love, Music, Creativity, Composition, and Compassion, which drives life, science, math, language, technology, history, society, nature, physics, time, and galaxies for His children to explore in His playground. Be a child and study the Art of Play with God!" ~ Jon Barnes