Art for God's Sake

This book is only 60 pages long so I read it this morning while on my patio drinking a nice cup of coffee.

Philip Graham Ryken explains in this book that there is a biblical view of art beginning in Exodus 31, where God calls two men (Bezalel and Oholiab) to be artists. Their calling was under divine direction and they were to create the items that went in God's holy tabernacle. God was pretty specific about the items He wanted created but He also allowed these artisans to to use their gifts in the details as their gift back to God.

This passage in Exodus teaches at least four fundamental principles for a Christian theology of the arts. (1) the artist's call and gift come from God; (2) God loves all kinds of art; (3) God maintains high standards for goodness, truth and beauty; and (4) art is for the glory of God.

Another point Ryken (with the help of Gene Edward Veith) made was that in Exodus 31:3, God gave Bezalel the "skill, ability and knowledge" to do all kinds of artwork. So the gift was multi-faceted: Skill-the artist's inate talent, Intelligence-which indicates that the artist must use their mind to consider artistic inspiration. Knowledge - the artist must understand the properties of the materials they use so that their ideas can be conveyed through their art. Craftsmanship - technique and the difference between being poorly executed or well-made.
These criteria should also be used as the lens with which we look through to evaluate art.

So what did I get out of this book? I like the quote Ryken used by composor Igor Stravinsky "I take no pride in my artistic talents; they are God-given and I see absolutely no reason to become puffed up over somtheing that one has received." Well said. My prayer is that any piece that I create that first and foremost the glory goes to God. -soli Deo gloria