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?
