I completely agree with the point that faith is the context for artistic engagement. This is why I think the distinction between Christian and non-Christian bands is skewed. If a band mentions Jesus, they are thought to be Christian, even if their worldview and lifestyle contradicts this. But I think even those who are not Christian can approach art with the right viewpoint—because they are artists, like Guillermo del Toro with Pan’s Labyrinth. It is not the subject matter that makes something Christian or not. My favorite movies are ones that do not explicitly state what they are saying, like the Matrix, or Pan’s Labyrinth, rather than obnoxious religious films like Facing the Giants. Harry Potter is another good example—the subject matter deals with witchcraft and spells, but the stories are so interwoven with Christian themes that it can hardly be called un-Christian.

Many times I’ve been surprised by finding out that a filmmaker is not a Christian, because their work has so many undercurrents of the Bible, or Christianity. Part of it is that God is omnipotent and can work through anybody, whether they are His children or not. But another part is that the creative spirit is one that is receptive to a higher source of truth. In my composing, I am “obedient” to the work and to the greater motive that is behind it. This type of receptivity is very similar to surrendering our wills over to God. The same analogy can be made with our lives. Even if we are not in “Christian service” as a missionary or minister or whatever, our lives are still defined by their ownership by God. It is our calling to do the will of God, and that can be done no matter what our avocation is.

I really with the point on pg. 18 that art is more than a means to an end. In a godless society, everything is a means to an end, because there is nothing transcendent. But in light of our knowledge of the ultimate Creator, art has supreme value in itself.