Discovering God Through the ArtsSýnishorn

Many use the arts to divert themselves from the stress and pressure of life. The arts can be used as a retreat from reality when the world seems too much for us, or just a way to kill some time and keep boredom at bay. Honestly, many popular movies, books, and songs don’t really have much of significance to say, but they are useful for keeping us diverted. And what they offer is not so much real life, but a formulaic approach to the complexities of life. They may temporarily make life feel safer or happier as they use their formulaic approaches to avoid life’s harsher realities. The usual romantic comedy or action flick generally doesn’t ask much from us, nor does it offer much of lasting value for the time we have invested.

The arts can be used as a sign of devotion. Some Christians tend, therefore, to limit their intake of the arts only to those that are useful in this endeavor. They listen only to “Christian” music, only read “Christian” books, and only have an interest in art that makes a clear religious statement. They might even fear the influence of so-called “secular” art. Of course, the arts that we use in our liturgies are things we treasure—our hymns, worship songs, stained glass, and inspiring images. All these are helpful for expanding and enriching the emotional and spiritual impact of our worship experience, which is why they are a part of most worship traditions. But we need not limit engagement with the arts to these purposes. The arts can impact us in powerful ways beyond their pragmatic usefulness or as an adornment for the serious business of worship. They can be everyday tools for growth and transformation in our lives.

Art can be a helpful tool. Art can be a dangerous temptation. Both views of art survive into our own time. While some remain cautious, others have seen the great power of the arts to move the human soul and assist believers along their spiritual journey.