Friday, July 6, 2012

My Thoughts on “Visual Faith”, a book by William Dyrness


I had read this book at some time in the past and have simply reviewed my notes and re-read the parts highlighted. It was not a very inspiring book, but did help me to formulate some questions.
1. Does “Christian art” have to be justified in regard to its practical value within the Christian community (ie, church banners, educational aids, worship art, etc.)?

2. Due to popular theology and economic hard times, are we in an new age of utilitarian art: practical pieces where form follows function and the colors must match my living room décor?

3. Can God only use “beautiful art” or can it be disturbing art about judgment or the trials of life?

4. Can art be used to restore passion in the church?

5. Relativistic post-modern culture has attempted to strip contemporary art of it’s compositional validation (ie, “all art is good” or “anything goes”). After all, “rules are bad” and we don’t want to hurt anyone’s self-esteem by criticizing their personal expression. Given this, plus the evidence of a spiritually bankrupt society, can we conclude that the Christian artist has before them a great void that only they can fill?