Ultimately, the Christian artist should create what they feel they need to create. If that’s the gospel message, or a flower, both can bring glory to God. Poorly executed, both can have the opposite effect. The important thing for the believer is to be first a reckless follower of God, and then an artist. If the believer is a true follower, then their art will bring him glory, no matter what the subject.
So no art form is in and of itself ungodly. But some art forms, by their nature, do a better job of communicating the Christian message than others. Schaeffer targets modern art forms, where the content is not obvious or even clear, as being poor carriers of the Christian message. I wouldn’t disagree. That does not mean that they are ungodly or wrong, but simply that if your goal is to proclaim the Christian message clearly, you should choose your art form carefully.
I say this to highlight the fact that a fondness for old styles of art and music because of its association with a nonexistent ideal has no bearing in the here and now. However, there is nothing wrong with enjoying classical styles or appreciating older art forms. All artists should study the masters who advanced the form. But it is foolish to disavow a new take on an old art form because of an unrealistic association with a time that never existed.
Schaeffer proposes four basic standards one can apply to a work of art: 1) technical excellence, 2) validity, 3) intellectual content, the world view which comes through, and 4) the integration of content and vehicle. It is using these four standards that Schaeffer proposes we judge a work of art. Keep in mind that these are subjective standards, and they are not meant to be used as some sort of scale. They build on each other. It’s a good idea to consider all four when evaluating a work of art, and I think it is in their relationship that we can argue something is a truly great work of art.
A great work of art will take a subject and give it importance, and arguably a voice, it never had before. The truth is, many people do believe everything they see on TV, because good television (and yes, there are good programs on television from time to time) is good art, and art makes things important. When the weight of it is dropped in your lap at 10:00, 9:00 central, you might find yourself believing something you never thought you would believe, whether it is true or not.
I think the reason for this is the fact that our modern approach to faith is constantly trying to remove the mystery and wonder of an Awesome God and replace it with a God We Understand. The problem is that our minds are incapable of completely understanding the vastness and greatness of God. Perhaps art can give God just a fraction more of the weight He deserves.
Simply put, “a work of art has a value in itself”. Art doesn’t have to be anything else but art. It doesn’t have to be social commentary, decoration, an evangelism tool, utilitarian, practical, or a part of some sort of marketing and communications campaign. That’s not to say that art can’t be used in these ways, but art does not have to have one of these “uses” to be good art. Art can exist simply for the sake of art.
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Matthew and Lizi The Meaning of It All "Soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting"  |
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Andy Melvin The Human Engine Waits "Catchy and exquisite, energetic and mellow" |
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Peter Nevland Just My Mouth "Laugh, and then cry. Smile big" |
