I am requiring help in opening up my mind to the understanding of Ex 20:4-5 and how artwork is understood (accepted/rejected) by God’s people. I am questioning how to address this verse in the context of my artwork (2-D) in the church? How do I implement change or just plant a seed in educating the understanding of people’s concept of artwork and the church?

I stumbled across this forum this morning. I find your question(s) strikes a chord with me, and I’d like to put in my humble opinion.

Understanding a passage of scripture, or for that matter, any literature, hinges greatly on looking at the context. I would back up one verse to include Ex 20:3 to illuminate verses 4 and 5. I see the overall message of these three verses as: “You shall have no other gods. You shall not create an idol in any form what-so-ever. You shall not worship anything else what-so-ever.” Also, I found a cross-reference in Deut 4:15-18 that sheds some light on the Exodus passage.

So, how to influence other people in the church? I have no idea here, as I have sat back in frustration for many years, watching for possible ways to use my artistic skills in the context of my church. But, two authors come to mind on the subject: Francis Schaeffer and his son, Franky Schaeffer. The elder Schaeffer wrote “Art and the Bible”, and it’s very scholarly. (http://www.rationalpi.com/theshelter/art.html) The younger Schaeffer is a also a painter; he wrote “Addicted to Mediocrity: Contemporary Christians and the Arts.”

Is artwork used in your church to teach?
Are artist’s allowed to participate in the service?
Do the leaders of the church define how images are to be used in the church?
Do the same rules apply to other gifts – dance, music, drama etc.?

I am finally seeing my church opening up to using all forms of artistic expression to teach and glorify God. It is still in it’s infancy in regards to the visual arts. Dance started being used not too long ago, and so far it has been used on only a few rare occasions. Recently visual artists were challenged to create a work based on a particular passage of scripture. That’s the first time that has happened, and I hope to see more of it.

All forms are previewed in some way by the staff to ensure the basic content will not cause problems, but I think that is appropriate. We wouldn’t want foul or degrading language, or immodest dress, distracting from the overall message being presented.

I hope this helps. It has helped me, just putting my thoughts down in words.

Susan

I highly recommend becoming familiar with this artist/musician author, John Fischer

http://www.fischtank.com/

…and have lauded and suggested his book, “Fearless Faith- Living Beyond the Safe Walls of Christianity” to any and every artist of faith to read, to contemplate upon…muse, pray and let God move you. This remembrance of my strong feelings for the connection I made with this book comes of your comment and questions.

Fischer gives the convenience of a link to his first chapter of this book that can be read online.

Larry

How do I implement change or just plant a seed in educating the understanding of people’s concept of artwork and the church?

This morning I was musing about this question again. I remembered that a small group of my Christian friends had gathered on a semi-regular basis to work through a Bible study centered on creativity. This was a very encouraging time. It is also an example of a “seed planting” operation that can gradually change other believers’ understanding about the arts. Gather together people who are willing to listen and learn and see what comes of it. The group had to disband because of scheduling problems, but I would like to revive the discussion group at some point in the future.

I am also blessed at my church that our lead pastor is a great fan of Francis Schaeffer. That is probably one reason we have more openness in our congregation to using all forms of artistic expression.

I really believe that because artists are visionaries they (and often their works) are completely misunderstood by the general public church.

The church is full of people who just don’t get art. It’s not just that they are suspicious of somehow being pulled into something evil that might run counter to a passage of scripture, but they also just don’t have a refined aesthetic taste that allows them to see any value in the fine arts. But then again, the world outside the church is full of the same aesthetically challenged people.

Seven years ago I founded an organization called The Christian Cultural Arts Center. We put on several annual events at a large facility in our area. There were visual artists selling their work, musicians, dancers, mimes, actors, all performing the entire day. Everything we did was worship it was so beautiful. No one was paid for any of it. It was incredible the participation we had from all over the state. Unfortunately no one came. I mean we had like zilch for audiences and this was for three years in a row. We were well advertised. Why didn’t folks come? The churches did not support it. In fact, folks were cautioned against coming because we were not functioning ‘under a church covering’.

I am so sorry to hear that this happened. I have seen a local church offer a similar event – a venue for drama, live music, and displays of fine arts and crafts. It had enough participation that they sold tickets to it. It has been held for several years, now. The difference is likely that this church is open minded about the arts, whereas the churches in your area were not.

Great question! I’ve been trying to find time to put in my 2 cents (while trying to finish my submission for the tsunami project). Dianne, you’ve covered the points I would have made, only probably better!

I’m blessed to be part of a congregation that is open to the arts as an expression of worship. We are able to display paintings in the area where we meet for coffee after church (best wall space available), and I have sold paintings to other members. Presently we don’t have anyone gifted/bold enough to use dance as an expression of worship, but I’ve been in churches where this was a fairly regular thing. We frequently have various forms of drama as part of our services. My pastor’s theory is that if we have members gifted/willing to move into ministry areas, then we will. This not only applies to outreach, but ministry within the congregation (ie. leading small groups, children’s ministries, etc.) including the arts.

I’ve been in church all my life (close to 53 years now ), and one of the things from my childhood that sticks out most in my mind is when we had a visiting artist who painted a landscape during the service while music was playing, I think. I was amazed. It was really fast, and very good! I don’t remember details, just the sense it was done as an expression of praise to God for the beauty He’s created. I don’t think I could ever do that, as I’m pretty slow, and like to paint without the distraction of other people around!

I went to a Christian college in Kansas. One of our chapel services was a potter working on a wheel, while speaking to us about God as the potter shaping us for the purpose He has in mind for us. I know it made a great impression on me, re. the need to submit myself to the Potter’s hands! It was a great teaching tool.

I do believe that the climate re. the arts is changing in many churches that are sensitive to the Holy Spirit. I believe He is restoring the concept that “worship” isn’t just singing or music, but involves every area of our lives bringing praise and glory to our Lord.

I’ve only been showing my work for a few years, but there have been several times when viewers have asked questions re. the spiritual aspects of a painting, even “just a landscape”. I ask the Lord to help me communicate His message through the painting, and I believe He does. I did a painting of a hollow tree stump on a snow-covered hill, with a sun pillar behind it. A lady asked me “Did you paint that with spirit?” I didn’t know where she was coming from, so I ask what she meant. She just repeated the question. So I answered that I believed I had painted it with the inspiration and help of the Holy Spirit. She looked a bit shocked, said “Oh!” and walked away. But I was sort of surprised that people did recognise a spiritual component to it. We just never know how the Lord is going to make use of our creativity to touch people’s lives.

Didn’t mean to get this wordy!
God bless you all!
Lynn

Felica I can understand your disappointment. Its probably not much comfort, but we have to remember that when we do anything, we should do it unto the Lord. He has seen your work in secret, and in secret he will reward it. If anything, he will build your character through this experience.

I took some paintings to church once at the pastors request and they sat on the floor in a conference room where people could bump into them and push chairs into them etc. They sat there for about two weeks. Finally I just took them home. I figured that just as God had given me the vision to paint those pictures so too he has given me stewertship over them to keep them safe.

Your paintings sound wonderful by the way. Do you have any images to post?

Dianne

Felica, As an associate pastor, I am SO sorry that your work was treated with such careless disregard.
I second the “stewardship” concept. I would slip in and remove the paintings. You could try to sell them privately, and donate the money to the building fund. Then again, you might consider speaking with the pastor. Honestly express your feelings. From what you write, I don’t get a sense of pride, but of humble service to God and the church. I think a sensitive pastor would pick up on that.
I have recently begun a journey to take my own art seriously after a long neglect. I had grown to think of it as separate from my call as a minister. Thank God He put someone in my life who reproved me as ‘neglecting a gift God gave’ me!
As I work now, I honestly consider my art as an act of true worship! I meditate on God’s gifting. I praise Him as I struggle through difficult portions.
I am very fortunate that our senior pastor is also a gifted professional musician/drama performer. We have several art-sensitive parishioners, too.
Blessing on you as you try to work through this.