Art and Eternity

– the value of Christian art

by Sue Newham

Our artwork speaks

www.veritasse.co.uk

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Introduction- What this article isn’t!

This is not an academic essay, nor do I want it to be a rather dry philosophical discussion about the meaning of

words.

Experts could spend weeks debating the many questions raised by the title:

What type of value are we speaking about? Financial? Aesthetic?

What is Christian art?

Is Christian art the same as art by Christians?

Can non-believers create Christian art?

More fundamentally, what constitutes art anyway?

If I discussed every aspect of all of these questions, this article would be a very thick book! And you would all be

asleep by the end of chapter 2!

My viewpoint is that the value we are discussing is eternal and related to extending the kingdom of God. I am also

defining Christian artwork as work created by an artist, in order to communicate a Christian idea or theme.

(Just a note to head off e-mails of protest that might come my way– I do know that many artists of faith dislike the

term Christian art and feel that any artwork created by a Christian who is also an artist, can bring glory to God. I

agree, but refer again to my opening sentence.)

I am going to tackle this subject through a number of short chapters. Some will be Bible focused. One is a testimony

about the power of art by Dr.Dianne Collard. Other chapters will be personal musings with reference to works of art.

May God bless you and encourage you as you read.

Sue Newham

PS. This article is an evolving thought process. This is version 2, updated in October 2012.

Broken for you by Howard Banks

Creativity– a characteristic of our God “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the

beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him

was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4)

“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or

powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)

The scriptures, combined with the evidence of our senses, tell us that

our God is supremely creative. He takes pleasure in pattern, colour

and variety, in a way which suggests satisfaction in creativity that goes

beyond any need for an audience. Our exploration of the natural

wonders of our own planet reveals elegant and beautiful design and

artistry running through the whole of creation. We must assume that

the parts of creation that will never be seen by any person will be

similarly rich and amazing. God did not create such diversity in order

to win human approval and admiration. He has no need of it.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you

from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was

founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its

people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a

canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes

to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner

are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take

root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a

whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.” Isaiah 40:21-24

No. God is not seeking our admiration.

God is creative simply because that is his nature and we, his children, are made in His likeness. (Genesis 1:27)

Mankind has a strong, inbuilt desire to create,

which is manifested in a whole variety of arts,

sciences and practical skills. God has also placed

within people sensitivity to beauty and creativity.

This is why we draw our breath when confronted

by a magnificent view, or find ourselves

marvelling, when walking through a winter

wonderland of frosted trees and snowy fields.

Our ability to create and our appreciation of

creation is in our genetic code from our Father.

Communicating truth through pictures In the Old Testament, God used pictures in his communications with mankind.

Read about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel, chapter 2 and Daniel’s explanation of that picture of a golden statue

with feet of clay. Joseph interpreted picture dreams and conveyed God’s message to those who needed to hear.

In the New Testament, Jesus used many parables to teach people about the kingdom of God and those parables are

recorded in Scripture and continue to speak into people’s lives today. A parable is simply a picture language to explain a

truth.

Jesus says “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like

a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.” Mark 4:30

Note that Jesus does not suggest that the kingdom of God is a mustard seed, but

neither does he apologise for using a picture to draw out spiritual truths. He

doesn’t draw attention to the obvious limitations of the comparison. Some

people worry about the use of a picture to teach about spiritual issues, because

they are aware that any one picture cannot represent the whole truth.

Jesus was aware of this too, but did not let it stop him form using pictures to

teach.

He recognised that that linking the spoken word with a picture that was familiar to his audience, would help then to

remember and understand what he was saying.

The picture on the cover of this article is my own painting, “Trinity”. The Trinity is core

to our beliefs as Christians, and yet is very poorly understood by many who go to

church every week. I have displayed “Trinity” at Christian conferences, expecting that

the title alone would unlock the picture to viewers. That has not been the case. In

explaining why I have painted what I have painted, I have been aware that, for some,

this is their first real encounter with the reality of our Triune God. The picture can

explain aspects of the Trinity in a way that people find easier to take in and remember.

It is not a substitute for scripture, but an aide-memoir to accompany it.

The Holy Spirit gives pictures and words to people to communicate eternal truths to them and through them. These

spiritual pictures or impressions must always be measured against the plumb line of Scripture, but have a value in

explaining and unpacking Biblical truths to today’s society.

As Christians, we should use every means to reach people with the gospel, sharing Paul’s urgency.

In 1 Corinthians, chapter 9, he talks about adapting his personal presentation of the Gospel to meet the needs of his

audience.

“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law

(though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I

became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to

win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all

people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share

in its blessings.” (continued)

In the shadow of the cross by Joanna Ray

Healing through art by Dr. Dianne Collard “I am not an artist, but a passion for God and art is a significant element of my relationship with Him. Because of this, I

have a desire to see the visual arts become an integral part of worship in the evangelical church.

I was not exposed to the visual arts as a child (definitely not in the church!), but early in my adulthood I was drawn to

images in museums, galleries and art books.

Attending university in my late 30s, I became fascinated with art history and its relationship with the other subjects I was

studying. I didn’t recognize my deep need for art, however, until the terrible years of grief following the murder of my

eldest son in 1992.

It was in the dark days of pain and despair that I found solace and peace within the art museums of Vienna, Austria,

where my husband and I worked and lived as missionaries. God’s comfort and grace touched me. He began healing me,

as I lost myself in the beauty and creativity found on the walls of the Kunsthistorishe and other well-known Viennese

museums.

From this profound encounter, I know art can reach into the deepest recesses of the human soul—in ways and at times

that ordinary language cannot. I experienced evidences of the Creator God--his goodness, beauty and truth--

demonstrated through line, form and color. I felt God’s love as I gazed on depictions of Christ’s redemption. I resonated

with the pain expressed in paintings depicting war, plagues, death. I reveled in splashes of color and geometric designs. I

will never be the same—for God spoke to me with “sensations too subtle for words” as artist Robert Henri once put it.”

Dr Dianne Collard is the founder of Montage International, a group encouraging the use of the arts in the church. She is

the Europe Ministries Director for Artists in Christian Testimony International.

Her book, "I Choose to Forgive- an Intimate Journey with God", tells her story. To find out more, visit

www.montageinternational.org

Research suggest that learning and memory are enhanced when all senses work together. We do not learn best

through auditory means alone, yet many churches use music, preaching and scripture reading as their main ways of

communicating with people. This auditory focus may actually discourage certain groups of people from engaging with

the Gospel. Visual and kinaesthetic learners could learn and understand more effectively, if we use a range of teaching

styles and materials to introduce God to people.

When we think about how information today is

delivered, by television, websites, blogs, social

media, Youtube and advertising, we, as Christians,

should not be shy about using these same channels

to reach people for Christ.

In today’s visually aware world, we can, and

should, use images as we present Jesus to others,

just as Jesus himself used picture language to

explain things of God to the people of his day.

Communicating truth through pictures (continued)

The dilemma for Christian artists “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Romans 12:2

In the secular art world, different criteria are used by different people to weigh up the “value” of artwork. Often this is

based on how much money has been paid for previous pieces by the same artist. Perceived value can also be based on

the originality of the artist’s ideas or style. A strong background of art training leads some artists to be respected above

others, and their work being more sought after and considered more valuable.

Artists who are Christians live with real tension with regard to their artwork.

Should they seek to become recognised within the secular art world, by accepting the way that commercial artwork is

valued?

This will allow their faith to shine out through their work to a wider audience, should they become successful. However,

these artists may struggle with feeling squeezed into the mould of the world at times.

On the other hand, should Christian artists have a ministry approach to their work, where they charge only enough to

cover the cost of materials and turn their back on the values of the commercial art world?

These artists usually find their artistic productivity reduced by the demands of the “day job” and may never have their

work widely seen. They may also never develop their full potential as artists, because refining of skills can only happen

over many hours of practice.

I know Christian artists following both approaches and respect both views. I do not believe that there is one answer to

these questions that will be right for every artist. Each artist needs to decide, with God’s help, which approach is the

right one for them.

Holy family by Mike Torevell

The value of Christian art Artists who are Christians, whatever their views on the commercial art world, are very likely to produce some work with

a Christian theme. The challenge for us is to take a Godly view of such pictures. We need to ask ourselves what criteria

we will use when judging value.

Is a picture, such as Dawn Waters– Baker’s “Immanuel”, more or less valuable than JMW Turner’s “Rain, Steam and

Speed”?

If you had a group of clerics, art critics and members of the public debating this question, there would be many and

differing points of view.

May I suggest that all artwork can be understood and valued by Christians in a way that differs from secular value

systems?

This is a picture that I painted during a church service. It is 5ft by 3ft, painted

onto wallpaper, and completed within 30 minutes. The monetary value of this

piece is the value of the paper and paint. Compositionally and technically, it is

weak. However, if we assess it based on the communication of spiritual truths

and its impact on people in that church service, it is a valuable picture. God

spoke to people through the picture.

The Bible has much to say about what is valuable, urging us to take an eternal

perspective on our possessions, ambitions, use of time and attitude to money.

This perspective enables Paul to say “I consider everything a loss compared

to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose

sake I have lost all things.” Philippians 3:8

This eternal perspective applies to every aspect of our lives. When we align our

thoughts with those of Jesus Christ, our attitude to what is valuable will change.

I am not suggesting that Christians should accept as “good art”, any picture which features a dove and a cross.

However, there is a spiritual dimension to life which is beyond the physical elements with which we are surrounded day

by day.

I have seen people moved to tears by a painting by an amateur artist, who may lack finesse in technical skills, but who

has heard from God and been faithful in recording the picture he has given them.

Bread of life by Matt Hoile

The value of Christian art (continued)

Many Christians buy a picture which has a Christian theme in order to have it in their home, as a silent witness to Biblical

truths. An excellent example of this is Resurrection Morning by James Martin (above) It is a powerful reminder of our

Lord’s death and resurrection, yet subtle enough to be acceptable to nonbelievers. If the Holy Spirit is working in

someone, moving them towards faith, then the painting may be enough to spark a conversation about Christianity,

which could change their life. This picture and many more have a value which cannot be measured merely in earthly

currency.

In previous centuries, the church was often a patron of the arts. The role of pictures in telling Bible stories to believers

who did not have the scriptures in their own language was accepted. More recently, artists have struggled to find a role

within many churches. However, the tide is turning. God is raising up many artists with a strong desire to use the talents

that God has given them in His service. These artists are not just painting so that they can fill up their spare bedrooms

with canvases. They know that God has commissioned them and that their pictures can speak to people about God’s

love, salvation, resurrection and eternal life. They want their work to be seen!

For over ten years, Veritasse has been advancing the kingdom of God by selling a wide range of Christian-themed

pictures and encouraging and supporting Christian artists. As director of Veritasse, I ask you to use spiritual eyes when

buying a picture for your home, church or workplace. If a picture speaks to you, it will also speak to your friends and

family. Just as Dianne Collard experienced inner healing and an assurance of God’s love when looking at paintings, so

may others.