http://art.renovochurch.org/2008/03/art-as-transformational.htmlhtt
Endless evidence exists for the cultural, social, political and spiritual power of artistic communities throughout all centuries.Urban settings around the globe need the transforming presence of Jesus following communities of artists.Good artists speak with an emotive heart language few other politicians, social reformers or preachers can evoke.Something beautiful unfolds when a painting captures a quick glance and fixates it; when a poem speaks perfectly of life in a fallen world; when a ballet leaves the audience breathless, in awe of the grace and control exhibited; when a cathedral quiets tourists in reverence and wonder.
In such lies the power of the arts – the power to capture a human soul in time and space and speak clearly to that soul.Jesus following artists, who create good art, have the unique opportunity to partner with God in that time and space to speak truth.Truth that does not stop with the brutal realities of living in a fallen world, truth that does not ignore the harsh realities of life, but truth that acknowledges pain and brokenness and offers hope, healing and beauty.
The following represent the various practical ways that the arts provide a vehicle for transformation:
- An artistic community provides support, networking and encouragement
- Creates an outlet for positive and constructive self-expression
- Within the arts there exists a power to influence societies
- Talking about the arts opens opportunities to talk about truth related to human design and purpose, worldview, good and evil, beauty, etc.
- Some believe the practice of the arts themselves brings healing and restoration
These resources have helped me in my understanding of the role of art in society.I would suggest any of these articles or books for further study.
Card, Michael. Scribbling in the Sand. InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, 2002.
Dix, Joshua. “The Artist’s Imperative”. The Resurgence. available on the WWW: www.theresurgence.com, 2004.
Ryken, Philip Graham. Art for God’s Sake. P&R Publishing: Phillipsburg, 2006.
Turner, Steve. Imagine. A Vision for Christians in the Arts. InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, 2001.
[Jen Dove works with New Mission Systems International (www.nmsi.org) in Fort Myers, FL as the Creative Arts Director. Her ministry provides art education, music lessons, art therapy and creative teaching resources to NMSI missionaries and their children. She is also a free lance writer and visual artist. To contact Jen, email: jdove (at) nms-intl.com]
Keywords: plant church missional
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