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Products>Art and the Bible

Art and the Bible

Publisher:
, 2009
ISBN: 9780830874446
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Overview

"The lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts," writes Francis Schaeffer. "A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God, not just as tracts, mind you, but as things of beauty to the praise of God."

Many Christians, wary of creating graven images, have steered clear of artistic creativity. But the Bible offers a robust affirmation of the arts. The human impulse to create reflects our being created in the image of a creator God.

Art and the Bible has been a foundational work for generations of Christians in the arts. In this book's classic essays, Francis Schaeffer first examines the scriptural record of the use of various art forms, and then establishes a Christian perspective on art. With clarity and vigor, Schaeffer explains why "the Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars."

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Resource Experts
  • Presents a primer on biblical creativity
  • Encourages artists to take seriously the lordship of Christ in every aspect of their creative lives
  • Explores the idea that we create out of a worldview and that it is our responsibility to align such a point of view with Scripture
  • I. Art in the Bible
  • II. Some Perspectives on Art

Top Highlights

“What kind of judgment does one apply, then, to a work of art? I believe that there are four basic standards: (1) technical excellence, (2) validity, (3) intellectual content, the world view which comes through and (4) the integration of content and vehicle.” (Page 62)

“In all forms of writing, both poetry and prose, it makes a tremendous difference whether there is a continuity or a discontinuity with the normal definitions of words in normal syntax.” (Page 58)

“The first is the most important: A work of art has a value in itself.” (Page 50)

“‘Man by the Fall fell at the same time from his state of innocence and from his dominion over nature. Both of these losses, however, can even in this life be in some part repaired; the former by religion and faith, the latter by the arts and sciences.’” (Page 18)

“. The fact that something is a work of art does not make it sacred.” (Page 61)

Recommended for those interested in creativity, arts in worship, and art as it relates to biblical history.

Carolyn Egolf, Congregational Libraries Today, January/February 2009

  • Title: Art and the Bible
  • Author: Francis Schaeffer
  • Series: Yi shu yu xin yang.
  • Publisher: IVP
  • Print Publication Date: 2009
  • Logos Release Date: 2021
  • Era: era:contemporary
  • Language: English
  • Resources: 1
  • Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
  • Subjects: Christian art and symbolism; Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ › Art
  • ISBNs: 9780830874446, 9789866521416, 0830874445, 9866521419
  • Resource ID: LLS:9780830874446
  • Resource Type: Monograph
  • Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T03:22:05Z

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Francis Schaeffer

Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984) was an evangelical missionary. After studying at Hampden-Sydney College, Westminister Theological Seminary (where he studied under Cornelius Van Til), and Faith Theological Seminary, Schaeffer pastored churches in Pennsylvania and Missouri.

In 1948, Schaeffer moved to Switzerland and founded L’Abri, a community where people discuss philosophy and religion. Thousands of people have passed through L’Abri, and it has expanded into several other countries. Schaeffer held a presuppositional approach to apologetics which many believe heavily influenced the Christian Right movement in the United States.

He was the author of many books, including Escape from Reason and How Should We Then Live?, which have sold millions of copies worldwide.

 

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  1. Patrick

    Patrick

    12/1/2023

    If you're used to only reading Schaeffer for his apologetics, you are missing out on one of his biggest contributions to Christendom - the encouragement for Christians to make Jesus Christ Lord of all - that also includes in the culture and the arts. During Schaeffer's day, he was the one answering any question thrown at Christianity. He was going to the youth and college students (and they were coming to him). He was an adopter of indie documentaries like "How Should We Then Live?" He would have fit right at home in the online video space. And this book is a prime example of Schaeffer writing succinctly and proficiently. After stating his premise that Christians are to be great artists for the glory of God, Schaeffer splits the book into two parts to make his case. The first part is a look back into the Scriptures to show all the ways art has played a part in the carrying out of God's plan of salvation. It's easy to say that he stays here a bit too long but to not draw on the examples he gives would do a disservice of the purpose of his whole book and premises. Schaeffer points to God being a Creator and us being His image bearers, we can engage in non-idol making art. Art that is not just paintings but architecture, jewlrey, painting, etc. are given. A stellar point of how even the Song of Solomon points Christians to being good romantics and engaging in good sex should not be undersold. All points are reflections back to the main Souce of our Creator. The second part of the book is what most of us are use to today - the call to action. Schaeffer has grounded his call in Scripture and so the motivation in how should we now live becomes one of inspiration and details. Schaeffer doesn't only talk about being good artists but also being good intakers of art. Things like technical abilities should be displayed and those same abilities should be appreciated for it. Of course, Schaeffer has to talk about the worldview being reflected in the art. Amazing points all around for this for those who read Schaeffer for his presuppositional apologetics. Other points worth highlighting is that not all good, Christian art has to be "religious" art. The art can still be Christian art without putting a baby Jesus in it or footprints in the sand. An interesting cultural aspect that Schaeffer discusses is one of how one's culture and society should be seen in the art. The music or the sculpture from Japan is going to be recognized as such because the style and technical aspect that makes the music or sculpture from the UK different. Schaeffer makes some interesting points that are being discussed and debated today. One aspect that I would have liked to have read more on was Schaeffer's take on objective beauty. Beauty is discussed here but I feel like Schaeffer would be able to express a positive case for objective beauty in about six pages (an inflation rate of 120 pages by today's authors). This is a book to pick up and discuss with others. Jesus Christ is Lord of all - even the arts. Christians should have no excuses for making bad art. Final Grade - A-
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