Monday, November 7, 2016

The Church and the Arts

During the middle ages the Church was the center of the arts in Europe. The greatest music was sacred music. The greatest architecture was in the cathedrals which were in turn filled with the greatest stained glass, tapestries, paintings, and carvings. The Church encouraged, promoted, and funded the arts.

Today the Church, at least in the US, largely ignores the arts. "Christian" music and movies mostly fall very short of professional quality standards. More than that though the Church does not encourage people to use their artistic skills outside of music. Writers, painters, sculptors, actors, and musicians (outside of the worship scene) are not encouraged or equipped to succeed.

As the Church we are called to be present and a light in all facets of society. If we are not raising up the best in all forms of artistic expression we will leave the arts and entertainment in the hands of others. That is what we have done. Hollywood and the media in general is infamous for being worldly and devoid of any kind of moral compass.

I do not think the answer is to try to shove "Christian" music, art, and media to the forefront. The answer is to push Christians into music, art, and media where they can make a difference.

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