On Art and Creativity Reflecting Beliefs

Verses: 

Genesis 1:27: So God created man in his own image,

    in the image of God he created him;

    male and female he created them.

Exodus 35:31-21: And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze.

Ecclesiastes 3:11: He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them

Thoughts: 

It is interesting to look at art in our culture, and see how it reflects the lack of belief in God, or even in a god. 

I recently read a book on ancient Egypt, and it was fascinating to see the numerous artworks. Most of the art that we find is concentrated in the tombs of the pharaohs. There were carvings, elaborate dresses, and great temples. The cultural art was produced and driven from a worldview of gods. The artwork of the Egyptians displayed their love and admiration of the gods, and pointed to their belief in the presence of the gods in their day to day.

In American culture today, when we look at modern art, there is much disorder. There is not much beautiful art being made of birds, flowers, animals, and people. Though there is still beautiful art being produced, modern art in particular is not lovely. The apex of fashion clothing is seen in places like the Met Gala; but these outfits seem to be created for their shock value rather than any true desire for beauty; they seek to get a reaction from the viewer at the expense of beauty. Modern culture has confused right, deep emotion with shock. The world struggles to imagine emotions that are lovely and pure, so they must dig up the shock and awe. Much of art today does not paint that which God has created, rather it creates something abstract that is meant to be emotional. 

But, the definition of art does not necessitate shock. Art is most beautiful when it reflects something true about reality. R.C. Sproul defined truth as that which corresponds to reality as God sees it. We are created in God’s image, and as his image bearers, we create. We create something beautiful when we correctly portray the way we see the world through a biblical perspective. We show reality as it is. True art shows a deeper reality than simply evoking emotions in the viewer. 

Ask yourself: How does your creativity reflect your worldview? This can be creating in work, making a meal, writing, or even the way you dress. Objectively, how does your living space reflect your beliefs about beauty? How is the worldview of those you are surrounded by reflected through their art?

Summary: The ancient Egyptians created beautiful art which was born out of their belief in gods. Because much of the American culture today does not follow God, or even a thought of god/gods, they are creating art that is not lovely. Their art is purely self-centered, focusing around humanity rather than seeing that there is a greater, divine reality. But, as Christians, we are able to create art that is truly beautiful through a biblical worldview.