Religious art

Gaze upon the beauty of the LORD (Psalm 27:4).

What is the purpose of art?

When an artist is a commercial success, criticism is leveled that he only gives the public what they want.  The critics want pieces that are novel and thought-provoking; the artist wants to produce a canvas that makes the buyer feel good looking at it hanging on a living room wall.  Who is right?  What should be expected from a piece of art?

Art can serve many good purposes.  Centuries ago, the average person was unable to read and books were both scarce and expensive.  So artists filled churches with paintings, tapestries, sculptures and stained glass windows, all of which were designed to educate the worshipers.  The most important stories and lessons of Holy Scripture were depicted, reminders of what God wants His people to know.  Art can reinforce the teaching of the Bible.

Art can also provoke serious thought and discussion among its viewers.  A well-composed photograph of suffering can motivate Christian charity in a way that no amount of words on paper can.  A disturbing image that shows the tragic consequences of sin can help to deter thoughtless behavior.  If used properly, art can make us uncomfortable with the status quo and spur us to change things for the better.

Another good thing art can do is remind us to appreciate the beauty of God’s wonderful creation.  Majestic landscapes, colorful still-lifes, portraits of birds and animals and fish, such pictures can fill our souls with joy and thankfulness.  Beauty is a gift from God to make our lives pleasant, and art that uplifts beauty can move us to thank the Creator for filling our lives with vibrant color.

And art can give us comfort when we are feeling low.  A picture of Christ taking care of sheep when we feel lost and confused.  A simple wooden cross hanging on the wall when we feel overwhelmed by guilt.  An illustration of Jesus standing at heaven’s gates, arms stretched wide in welcome, when death has us terrified.  Art can remind us that through Christ, God has made us His own dear children, loved and cared for always.