(An open, authentic discussion on the role of art in a
Christian’s life. The partners being one artist and one very sincere person. Some
elements may or may not resemble the sort of language that appears on certain
unnamed Christian blogs.)
Artist: I really like carving.
Very sincere person: Ohhhh…
Artist: What?
VSP: Well, I’m sorry to say this, and it probably won’t come
as a surprise to you if you know anything about what Christians believe. But
that’s a sin.
Artist: No way! Why????
VSP: I’m afraid the Bible is clear. “You shall have no other
gods before me. You shall not create for yourself an idol, or a likeness of
anything in the heavens above, or the earth beneath, or in the waters under the
earth. And you shall now bow down and worship it. For I the lord your God am a
jealous god, visiting the sins of the fathers on the children to the third and
fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing mercy to thousands, to
those who love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:4. You can also check
out Deuteronomy 5:8. These are the very words of God. I hope and pray that you
will not close your heart to them.
Artist: There was
something about not making an image…But I always thought that meant not to make
an artistic object with the intention of worshipping it.
VSP: Your hermeneutical approach is intriguing, but I would
suggest a closer look at the text. Let’s stick with the plain meaning, shall
we? Look at this word here. “And.” Now, this is the key to the whole passage.
Interestingly, it’s the same word in the original Hebrew. I learned that in
seminary. Now, you know what “and” means.
Artist: It links two sentences?
VSP: Well, that’s part of it. Notice that the author didn’t
choose to use some other conjunction such as “but,” or “because,” or “then.” He
used “and.” And the funny thing about that word, actually, is that it links two
equivalent sentences. Essentially,
what comes before the “and” is just as important as what comes after. So, “You
must not create a likeness,” and “You
shall not bow down and worship it.” Both are good, both are important. You’re
halfway there. Don’t fall into the trap of picking and choosing. Let the Word
teach you.
Artist: I’m just not sure there’s a universal command
against all artistic…
VSP: Well (laughs good-naturedly), I like to go with what
the Bible says first instead of starting from my own feelings. Let’s take a
look. A good place to start is 2 Timothy 3:16. “All scripture is given by God
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in
righteousness.” Now, some people think the Old Testament is outdated and
shouldn’t be taken seriously. Nothing can be farther from the truth! Jesus
himself said, “I come not to abolish the law, but so the law may be fulfilled.”
Mathew 5:17. Love that verse! Also, and here’s X years of Biblical scholarship
talking...While it is true that some of the Mosaic laws are clearly cultural
and outdated—the prohibition against mixed fabrics for one—there are three main
divisions of the law. Did you know that? There’s the purity laws. Those are
cultural. And then the political laws that have to deal with the nation of
Israel. And then there are the moral laws that are meant for all people at all
times with no exceptions. Does that answer your question?
Artist: Um…that is…
VSP: What?
Artist: Isn’t there some part where…
VSP: I’m sorry, I can’t hear you.
Artist: Doesn’t God command people to make angels or
something on the Ark of the Covenant. In Exodus?
VSP: Ohhh, that’s a good observation! In fact it brings me
to my next point. Your artistic passion, drive, whatever, is a very good thing!
Artist: Really?
VSP: Yes, absolutely! It was given to you by God, to draw
you closer to Himself and to so you can use it to glorify Him! God doesn’t
create anything bad. You can make angels to adorn the Ark of the Covenant all
day long, and the Holy Spirit will be right there, cheering you on, going, “Yeah!” There’s nothing shameful about our natural
passions. The problem is that we live in a broken, fallen world, and our sin
nature wants to get in the way of God’s perfect design. While the world says, “Follow
your heart,” we Christians know better. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “For the heart is
deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?” And the
next verse provides the answer. “God searches the heart and tests the mind.” If
we do what is right in our own eyes we’ll be led away by the evil passions and
desires of our sin nature. You don’t want that to happen. So God gave us wise,
life-giving rules to guide us back to him. Of course, it’s not easy. I know
that too! Every day’s a struggle. But the Holy Spirit is our advocate. You
know, can I share my story with you? I used to go through the very same
struggle you did. Mn! Every day I just wanted to pick up a paintbrush and paint
away. But the Holy Spirit was faithful, and I had some accountability partners
to keep me on the straight and narrow. Now, glory be to God, my house is full
of angels intended for use on the Ark of the Covenant, and I can tell you—it
was worth the wait and I am satisfied in a way I never dreamed of before. You
just can’t imagine. Does that answer your question?
Artist: Um, yeah. Yeah. I should…
VSP: You, know. That was such a good question. I think there
are so many harmful stereotypes generated in the media about this issue, and it’s
something we Christians really should talk about more, and more authentically.
There’s such a battle going on for hearts and minds, giving in to temptation
even a little can be such a slippery slope.
Arist: I’m actually late.
VSP: Okay, well nice talking to you. I really feel like this
was a fruitful conversation. There’s a lot of truth to meditate on. If you’d
ever like to ask me some more questions, in fact…
Artist: Okay—later!
Post-game
Artist thinks: (Never, never, never again! Ever! Definitely not telling him I started
painting pictures in my free time.)
VSP: (Hm, I’m trying to stay optimistic about this person,
but I’m sensing a real hardness from her. Did I blow it? Did I say something
wrong? I tried to just give her clear, applicable answers to her question,
backed up with appropriate scripture. I kept my tone light and friendly. I even
acknowledged when she had a valid point! I was vulnerable and took the risk of
sharing my own story. I tried to meet her need for mentoring as best as I knew
how. I did everything I could to establish connection and trust so the Holy
Spirit could work in her. I guess I should just pray about it.)
(Seriously, I don't know where this conversation came from. Only that it came out much too easily.)
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