Why Is Christian Art So Often Bad?

[@Window4503]

Christian art too often breaks the first rule of art: show don’t tell. Show the gospel, don’t tell it. Or if you must tell it, do it in the context of the story, don’t just stick it in someone’s mouth as some random spark of divine inspiration.

[@ardail.eternal1]

GREAT POINT I LOVE THIS. Jesus taught in parables and if you could relate then you learned, he was fine with some ppl missing the point. Those who had ears, heard. Eyes saw. Thank you for this comment

[@cutepuddleslime8201]

Hmmm, how do you show instead of tell through visual art? I'd like to do that part with my drawings.

[@Window4503]

@@cutepuddleslime8201 Study the masters. Some of history’s greatest artists were Christians or at least people who did Christian works because the Church hired them. For someone sinning, show its ugliness. Show the guilt or the sorrow or the anger. If you’re showing the beauty of creation, remember that God made all sorts of things besides flowers and mountains. He also made diatoms and slime molds. Don’t make things too symmetrical and geometrically perfect (unless you have reason); that’s Platonism, not Christianity. Just portray things as they are according to how the Bible says they are, not as they should be or how we as Christians wish they were. By that, I mean don’t idealize reality or the truth in your art’s message. Fantasy style work is absolutely fine.

[@DavidianCrest]

I’m not so sure good art has “rules” either

[@louism8911]

​@@Window4503 Thank you so much for the messages! Due to Matthew 25:14-30, that's when I'm getting to see a picture and how I can use my art which is a talent to do God's Will I believe that is what the Gospel of Christ is all about because disciples suffer and we do, to suffer like Jesus until death. I have a question. I can use biblical scriptures but I use 3D/2D so I can use other things like manga/anime (b/c it's fun or is that selfish b/c of Hedonism which against God's Will?) by making up a story including fantasy if possible. Although I'm aware that it's not perfect instead I can put down "Please use your discernment with help from the Holy Spirit and take what is helpful for your growth and leave the rest" If that helps... I'm wondering that can I create my creatures almost like friendly elves and creatures (similar to Narnia) which come from "my will" or does it have to be strictly God's Will (like only humans because that's what Jesus died for, not fallen angels or demons looking) and his creations only?

[@heavenlyrealm_podcast]

Wowowow the timing of this ! I’m an artist and coming out of the new age my art was very influenced by that. I found God and I’ve been struggling with transitioning my art to something that honors him. I felt I had to tone down my art style and felt like anything outside of the typical Jesus painting I wouldn’t be doing “art” the same way. But I’ve realized that if I went that hard for the kingdom of darkness I should go that much harder for God. Of course the subject of the artwork matters, but I shouldn’t have to tone down my style or use of colors. “God delights in the beauty of creation” amen!! This was the affirmation I needed.

[@sharyemarx]

That's how I see it. I paint abstracts and birds mostly. I try to do the best I can to the glory of the one who made us like beauty

[@Bezanie]

My mom would always criticize me for drawing, calling it childish, and immature, or that drawing was like idol worship. She always demanded to me "How does this glorify God?" whenever I showed her a drawing. I still draw as a hobby, but I don't bother to share my work with her anymore.

[@steveshelton3081]

That's sad man. It's a gift from God

[@A_Muzik]

I’m terribly sorry. I hope you can be around people who support your art. Not tear it down.

[@Window4503]

Introduce her to the doctrine of vocation. And don’t give up art. Far too many people give up too soon just because someone was nasty toward them.

[@melissanycca]

When I was saved 10 years ago, at 30, I felt like I couldn't do much with my talents anymore. Similar to the commenter coming out of their new age life. I was told by a very wise woman in my church that God created EVERYTHING and it glorifies God when I use that talent. God gifted everyone with parts of Himself...parts that are earthly reflections of His true being, but it's a part of Him none the less. God gifted me with a bit of the creativity that He used to create EVERYTHING!! That is amazing and celebrating that is glorifying God. I know your message was from a year ago. I hope you're able to open up that conversation, with love, and share with your mom again. Being a mom is hard. She probably faced the same scrutiny at some point and is operating out of fear, which is what the devil wants.

[@Mssclark]

I feel you. I don’t have anyone supporting (cheering for me) in my passions and i too have been brought down and just barley putting my work out there. As I was listening to a very good sermon about “doubting” someone who was trying to help me with a concern in my art life, she has said “this could be a warning from god because the art and entertainment industry is more dark than light” basically saying it’s probably not a good idea to be around the people I’ve been creating with or probably replace it with something else. Art is literally the only thing I know and when I don’t do it I know my spirit keeps nagging me to do it.. I sometimes think highly spiritually people just need to answer instead of personally being in someone’s world, getting to know them and celebrating how they are made and helping them and guiding them to the right direction. I pray you find your personal cheerleader in your life 🙏🎉

[@billiecorbett5824]

Churches and Christians in general stifle artistic creativity. I am an extremely creative person and it has been a struggle for me throughout my Christian life. My drive to create was so powerful, it would not be shut down by others...and I didn’t want to try to turn it off. (Even if it mean’t I’d be judged as being a deficient, or seen as a “worldly” Christian. At home, I’d pursue creative activities...teaching myself all kinds of things. I loved and enjoyed the sense of fulfillment, creativity gave to me. (Without creativity there is no real fun...or enjoyment.) Intuitively, as a young person and young believer I came to the conclusion ... God is a Creator...we humans are made in His image...so, I am not buying this stonewalling of creativity. I’ve been a student of the Word for 50 years and to me it is pretty clear in the scripture that God wants people to use their creative gifts. Without artists and artisans....the Old Testament Tabernacle and the Temple would not of be built and adorned. I would encourage everyone to exercise their creative interests as unto the Lord. Seeking grace to glorify God in and through the gift He has bestowed. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom”. Not licence...but, genuine freedom to explore and reveal what God has given. “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (It is impossible to be creative without freedom of expression.) There is no shame in being an artist...It isn’t less holy that being an electrician or a nurse. God expects us to make interest on the talents He has given. He wants us to develop them, grow them and be productive.

[@bobtaylor170]

You should find welcome and encouragement in Presbyterian Church in America churches. I'm in a church of about 100 such people. One of our young women is a strikingly talented illustrator, one of our young men a nearly obsessed would be filmmaker. And they put up with me, who am something of a writer. Also, consider looking into Missouri Synod Lutheran churches, and churches of the Anglican Church in North America.

[@billiecorbett5824]

Bob Taylor I’m very happy to hear you are in a church that encourages creativity. The denomination you mentioned is not available to me where I live. Thankfully, the community where I live values the arts. There is an abundance of every type of creative outlet. In the fall our community has what is called, “The Art Crawl”.For one full weekend, the general public can tour around to visit different artists studio spaces or homes...to enjoy meeting the artist and to experience their art. I love witnessing the ingenuity and brilliance of our local artists. Even though local churches are lacking with regards to the arts...there is a wealth of talent and beauty to enjoy within the community at large.

[@billiecorbett5824]

@@Polycarp1992 This is a very sad statement, sir. Look at the Old Testament.God gifted artisans to create artistic finishings to all aspects of the tabernacle and the temple. It is extremely harmful calling artists evil. It might be wise to moderate your use of language to avoid being so inflammatory.

[@ClodsCreations]

@@Polycarp1992 lol. Really? Wow.

[@竹内ジョウスケ]

I am a christian artist. Look up Jonathan Pageau's interview "better left unsaid" and listen to his philosophy on art. It might help you conceptualize your art better

[@JerettOlson]

CS Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia) and JRR Tolkien (Hobbit and Lord of the Rings) created a fantasy world where Christians worldview in the background. Do not have a explicit Christian message, it did communicate Christian truth.

[@NorowaretaShojo]

Their theology was flawed though. Young kids reading their stories are being lead to the occult just like JK rowling with harry potter. In the video they said that accuracy is as much important and they lacked accuracy.

[@nameless5301]

@@NorowaretaShojo Harry Potter is simply witchcraft. It’s very evident that it’s not Christian if God makes himself clear on witchcraft. Idk why christians let their children read Harry Potter

[@nameless5301]

@@NorowaretaShojo Plus JK Rowling promotes lgbtq so i highly doubt she knows Jesus personally or cares

[@Tysto]

“Christians CAN make good art. Just look at these guys who have only been dead for decades instead of centuries.”

[@mattoreo5854]

@@NorowaretaShojo I'd like evidence with those statements please

[@mrcfuldeeds]

Thomas Terry: "...so we need to spend more time being inspired by things that resonate with who God is, and testify of the kind of person God is, and His work, and His imprint on this beautiful world that we live in..." Well said, sir. Well said. This is exactly where the message of the Gospel and the realms of art kiss!

[@AWalkingHat]

The most negativity and discouragement I got as an artist came from fellow Christians. The struggle is real. Also, if you are not a musician or performer but are involved in other forms of art (the workshop kind), there is little to no room for your contribution in the evangelical church.

[@hansilart8918]

Well I don't plan on contributing my art to my church, but I pray that they will support me in my mission of training my skills so I can reach out to the world of non-Christians, not just the church.

[@goseeaboutagirl]

Almost all Christian songs and films are either cheesy and clueless, or cookie cutter and forgettable. The God's Not Dead series is a joke and a thing to laugh at every time during previews/trailers. We shouldn't conform, but you would think there would be at least a few talented Christian songwriters and filmmakers

[@dede4004]

Jonathan, there are good musicians and artists. But, the "Christian music" field sadly is too often run by non- Christian business people. And, they only want what will "sell". They're not interested in the message of it. That's why true believers in Jesus need to support each other, and not rely on the "worlds" praise. And REALLY support each other.

[@raymondsaint4156]

I think the problem with modern Christian art in America is that it's run by Evangelical Christians. I mean, I'm no Catholic, but compare the Passion of the Christ to God's Not Dead... You'll see what I mean lol Christianity has always been a hotbed for amazing and breath taking art, but most evangelicals are completely blind to it. Many of them are illiterate of the 2,000 year history of Christianity. Which is completely sad.

[@reedemed_caleb]

Agree, like bruh people who aren't Christian have a good creativity and talent and they make their artwork with passion?? But we Christian artists are so lazy? We need to put work and passion in what we do, we can do so much greater movies,music,paintings and games and comics and cosplay.

[@gotcha9983]

I liked God is not dead. I understand the cheesy ..but it kept my attention

[@kendreonmotion]

Kings Kaleidoscope, Montellfish, Lovkn, are all pretty good musical artists. Give them a listen :)

[@CANNOTDIEFILMS]

My KZbin channel isn’t a great representation of my other work, but over the past year I’ve made a lot of progress in my camera skills and gotten a lot of experience with different opportunities God has been creating for me. I intend to make a Christian short film soon, and will be working with my pastor and deacons to maximize realism and theological accuracy. I really appreciate and agree with the ideas brought up here.

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Hi Jonathan. I really liked your dance video and song choice. You have a lot of talent. I am a team player and believe in working together to create a better, kinder world. But sadly, brick walls prevent this. Thankfully, I am friends with religious people who give me the time of day. It shocks me the way people like me are gagged from speaking out about problems that need solving. And how some people who are supposed to promote GOD refuse to work as team players for the greater good.

[@richardhutnik]

That explains why propaganda makes bad art utility kills the ability to express and experience a piece of work at the pace of the person experiences it. Attempts to save loses everything.

[@SBSChristianMedia]

WOW I'll definitely be listening to this again and again. Great conversation! Thanks for sharing!

[@ostrichking6]

Christian art isn't often bad, protestant art is often bad. From Dante, to Mozart, to the Renaissance masters, to Dostoevsky, to Tarkovsky, Catholic and Orthodox Christians have been making the greatest works of art in history while protestants have been making Bibleman and God's Not Dead

[@StarStrife100]

I think this issue represents a powerful critique of Protestantism

[@bobtaylor170]

No, it's a critique of the misapplication of Protestantism.

[@JamesIdentity]

@@bobtaylor170 nice dodge

[@Mssclark]

I honestly feel like art as a Christian has been lost because we lost honestly with ourselves. We are still human, we don’t know everything and we are limited and I found that Christian’s are scared to show their weakness and limitation which perfectionism, doing “good works” and so on and so forth override everything else. Sometimes the best art is expressed in the mess- that’s what we are.. just messes!!😂😂 It’s funny because I find “worldly” people more productive than Christian’s because Christian’s think everything is bad, evil or from the devil so they busy themselves protecting themselves not doing anything instead of exploring and enjoying the beauty of what life has to offer💔 I’m speaking for myself because I’ve experienced/experiencing this myself.

[@spadegarden8572]

thanks for this, I experienced this at art school. I felt ashamed when things started to bubble up like sadness and loneliness in my work and felt I wasn't being a good enough Christian example for my art friends.

[@Mssclark]

@@spadegarden8572 ❤️❤️ I’m still riding with you. Still struggling ugh 🫶❤️‍🩹💔❣️

[@ClodsCreations]

What about the artists that use mediums such as; oils. ,acrylics,colored pencil etc?

[@brieflyflesh4917]

Huh??

[@Ahsoka_Hyrule]

I really hope this is supposed to be a joke

[@animationministry]

This is exactly what I believe in and why I created Animation Ministry. I'm interested in sharing biblical messages through entertainment!

[@sonyadean6320]

I happened upon your video while I am trying to get a painting started. I have several fantastic ideas but I know I will never do what I picture in my mind any justice. I was driving down the road listening to a song and I said "I wish I could do something to show Your Glory". Before I could get Your Glory out of my mouth, I had the feeling that I was told 'you have painting' and I just had to respond with " OHHH! Fair enough". I was complete caught off guard and I know that I neeeeeed to paint that picture. So, I think Christian artist are afraid, they won't create a drawing, painting, song, or movie that is worthy of or truly depicts their feelings about God.

[@Greywolfgrafix]

I sense an anti-art sentiment in churches.

[@MCGaar]

Bach made great Christian art. So does Casting Crowns. Lots of Christian bands are sorry imitations of rock bands. Christians pour themselves into helping others, preaching sound doctrine etc. secular musicians can pour themselves into pure style and practice. Not to say that Christians don’t practice but their interests are divided. The avg Christian won’t spend all day painting or plucking his guitar. The avg secular musician might. Then there’s those blessed with extreme talent, believers or not.

[@eph6v16]

seems to me like the demonic music industry is more creative than many monotone christian artists... what's going on?

[@eph6v16]

@@klonsagaen Art encompasses the musical arts too dear Mark :) all the best if you are an artist, we need more good ones!

[@mags8877]

I think they spend more time dabbling in their "spirits" while offering sacrifices for power and recognition. The church looks at the world and the world looks at those who are "influencers". They have been deceived.

[@johnsullivan4494]

There's also the need to sell the art. Because it is a relatively small market. Also art/culture is frequent considered secondary or even threatening to the evangelical message.

[@mags8877]

That's horrible that they would think that.

[@TylerBurnsOfficial]

Good stuff. Art is not always about a message...or efficiency!

[@SANDRASUUBI]

Woooooooow! I fell on this gem 💎 Thank you for making this

[@ibukunibitoye4630]

What did he mean by "recently the church hasn't prioritized the education of art, but if you go way back it was prioritized"? (paraphrased) can someone recommend some resources so I can read up on that? I'd like to see how they did that please!

[@IGuessItsSketchyT]

There's an unspoken rule in the church and in Christian film making as a whole, if it looks creative then it's divination but if it looks like trash is spiritually empowering!

[@parallelandthemeridian]

The most intentional art glorifies God the most! When we are most intentional in bringing glory to our Lord, we are getting busy with the things we are going to be doing in heaven. Stay in Spirit (inspired) my friends:)

[@javieralvarez1072]

Catholic art (processions, Cathedrals, painting, etc) is much more interesting that Protestant.

[@andrepauloferreira7802]

Hi TGC team! I am a Christian actor in Brazil. I am about to get my Theology Degree and I'm trying to find some theology for Arts. Would you have more content about that? And it would be awesome if you had names of authors who talk about Christian Art. Specifically Acting, if possible, if there is any...

[@thegospelcoalition]

Hey Andre, here are some articles that deal with Christians in performing arts: www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/bringing-lewis-from-page-to-stage/ www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/doing-stand-up-comedy-in-unexpected-places/ www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/art-as-bridge-how-one-l-a-church-serves-the-citys-youth/ As for the theology behind the arts, here are some starters: www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/theology-art-2-minutes/ www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/peculiar-orthodoxy-jeremy-begbie/ And our topic page here: www.thegospelcoalition.org/topics/art/

[@BryanLeeDavidson]

Efficiency. We are not sufficient in ourselves. Why would we think we are efficient in ourselves? Do we want discipleship or cloning?

[@karldarwin1253]

Modern churches spending big money commissioning artist to make (eventually great) artworks is counted taboo nowadays.

[@HearGodsWord]

It depends what is meant by Christian Art...and art is a subjective medium anyway so I wouldn't worry too much about it, although it is a form/expression of worship.

[@JayFunningham]

Subjectivity doesn't mean zero standards though. There's a reason certain music, films, photographs etc stand the test of time and it isn't due to dumb luck! The art of executing/communicating your message in a way that moves people and causes them to think or feel deeply about it requires skill, practice and knowledge, even if individual opinions of your work will differ.

[@matthewedey]

I'm going to counter the idea that the songwriters of Christian music, especially "worship" music don't have access to more theology. That may have been true 20 years ago, but look at who the main generators of Christian music are today. Hillsong, Bethel, Passion... Chris Tomlin is practically a dinosaur and you're telling me that in his 20+ career of writing cheezy worship songs he hasn't had access to academically trained theologians to help him with his lyrics? Or is it that actual, evangelical Christianity in of itself is shallow theologically?

[@mcgaggles]

Nothing made me consider atheism faster than the time I was 12 and a pastor telling me that the purpose of abstract art is for demons to hide in it.

[@mcgaggles]

additionally: Something I've witnessed multiple times is Christians fighting against subjectivity until the bad Christian art get brought up and suddenly "art is subjective, there's no point in judging it". Something I've never liked about Protestantism is you're allowed to be lax in virtually everything else you do because it's not as important as the "post credits bit".

[@AlanJas-ut6ym]

"The language of art is a 'parabolic' language, with a special openness to the universal: the 'Way of Beauty' is a way capable of leading the mind and heart to the Lord, to elevate them to the heights of God." - Pope Benedict XVI

[@StevenMikelArtist]

Amen, we are all unique and individual...

[@nickd8719]

I'm a Christian artist, this was such a helpful discussion for me

[@pkpapers]

Most "Last Supper" paintings are similar in form and identical in theology.

[@aniyhaforgs8517]

art is used to portray so many things that literally are in opposition to christianity; movies, songs, books, etc. so I don’t really care for christian art being “good” because a lot of what people find good is provocative, how is “cookie cutter” a critique? Christianity reminds me of minimalism in a world that is obsessed with having everything, so if it comes off as boring.. so be it.

[@heavenlyrealm_podcast]

God is not boring... so no

[@adrianasaldanaorsi5747]

Totally disagree with you

[@rangerbeast]

Whenever I see a portrait of biblical figures, there is always someone up on the roof

[@pkpapers]

Fact is. Middle-class values run up against compassion. Goats are "believers." They believe Jesus is who he says he is (an assent to a proposition). They do NOT believe IN him. Following Him is the believing IN him. They are not welcome into the Kingdom of God, however. There are "saved" from Adam's curse, not from the curse their metanoia-bereft hard-heartedness brings about.

[@sofiabravo1994]

Art anything goes so sin is the easy route to create…that’s the challenge for me as a Christian. Today’s art is either promoting sin or it’s downright confusing.

[@CaroleMcDonnell]

Great discussion

[@Flaviusattius]

Wowwwww God you are so Good thank you Jesus for this message it is so true Amen.

[@peterkelly1139]

I think a lot of Christian artists are afraid of breaking the second commandment.

[@carlfrederick2446]

Listen to the first guy talk was exhausting

[@timsharpe6652]

Highly dull video I found . Why the more interesting ones GC produces are 2 minute snippets when you want 10 mins with those . Well least personally 😇

[@psa110]

First, these fellows totally miss God's mandate to mankind in Genesis 1 to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. It is often called the Cultural Mandate. God did not create man and the Universe just so he could fall and then throw away the original mandate to him. The Gospel in its narrow sense is not all that is important. Man is made in God's image and is to express that image in all areas of life. Becoming regenerated is fundamental to resuming the mandate, not just to getting to Heaven in the end. Second, you guys could profit from reading some Nancy Pearcey (Total Truth and Saving Leonardo).

[@mags8877]

I agree! "subdue the earth and have dominion over it". Thanks for the book recommendation, I purchased both.

[@psa110]

@@mags8877 Glad you found the book recommendations interesting. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

[@gfxb3177]

noice. one of the best artists i know is.here. odd thomas

[@carlfrederick2446]

I write comics and my vampire comics have more doctrine than the average sermon

[@nicholasschultz]

Where can one find these?

[@carlfrederick2446]

I am trying to find a publisher

[@cinejan]

You guys don't know what the big picture is - nobody does...let the artists explore in art, as the viewer also explores in art. You're going from total freedom to live to a harness to the church of your dreams.

[@raymondsaint4156]

Just gonna put this out there, "Evangelical Christian" art is bad. Actual Christian art is amazing and often breath taking. Take literally anything from the Orthodox Christians for example.

[@hmkzosimaskrampis3185]

Exactly

[@frizmagnet2246]

It's just a myth to make non Christians feel better Leonardo Da Vinci, Kanye West (before he was famous), Gospel is so popular in the black community even muslims listen to it, not only that but gospel is the foundation of all black American music and by extension most popular American music, Ancient East African churches, Russian churches, the many many popular sculptures and painters. To top it off there are many artist who dominate pop culture they don't mention Jesus specifically but they try to incoporate Christian culture into their work without getting cancelled which I may or may not agree with but some people aren't as strong as others and you can't really help the fact that radios or streaming services/cable whatever refuse to air the whole of your work. The Prince of Egypt, Moses, vegetales are great references for Christian media.

[@klonsagaen]

I do not glorify god with EVERY single drawing i draw. But when i think of god i might make a drawing with christian content. bye

[@thatskai3070]

I like Christian art

[@simonhadley8829]

If the message itself is unimaginative then I doubt it can ever inspire quality art and you can only convey the same message so many times before it becomes trite and boring.

[@brian_b_music]

It can get boring if you only view things from one perspective.

[@J.Fifikaren_Arts]

yepp

[@MartyYokawonis]

Your loss. The church stopped considering art as important to their mission when the protestant movement took off back in the 1500s. The church was an important patron of artists before the protestant reformation. After the schism took place art and artists were seen as secular and any kind of image making was categorized as idolatry. Currently the level of "christian art" allowable in the church is basic, childish, poorly executed and pretty bad.

[@adamcheck4941]

hindu's had george harrison's good song's like my sweet lord

[@milcahbhonsle8632]

This could refer to their god not Jesus

[@loisbeard8536]

Insightful!

[@t3331157]

Oh as an artist and professing Christian myself I have so many things to say contra what has been said especially by the first guy. ‘Superfluous’? Go on - tell us what you really think - additional? Optional? Unnecessary? … copy, copy, copy? You’re broadbrushing artists so hard here. And yes - evangelicals should be ashamed about how narrow minded they have been about the human experience in terms of art over a long period of time. Guess what - Roman Catholics might have been right on this one! Not in terms of veneration theology, but in terms of not being afraid about creating art. You redeem yourselves near the end of the video but the way you premised it was very clumsy.

[@A2goddess]

It's European art not middle eastern art although Christianity is originally middle eastern

[@thesafaripictures3453]

great beards great talk

[@bradleyholland4881]

Art is alive and in a constant state of becoming while belief is dead and in a constant state of having arrived.

[@rezurexiiii]

I'd have to disagree, the work of MichaelAngelo and Leonardo Divinci, is amazing biblical art.

[@karldarwin1253]

and when was that? The church commission them that day. Modern churches spending big money commissioning artist is counted taboo nowdays

[@letanxuong5909]

How is the Christian art that made history books bad?

[@nicolejasien5322]

I don’t think they were referring to that as they mentioned that the Church before emphasized art as one of their ways to glorify God; i.e. the Tabernacle. But modern Churches rarely seem to want to do visual art or any other form of media (except music) and as a result, they focus too much on then message and their art turns out bad.

[@harukoharuhara8466]

So far it seems like art is corrupted because it is created in this world.

[@nicholasschultz]

This was kind of like answering the question, "When are you going to stop breathing your wife." You basically said tomorrow. Y'all should read God at Work by Gene Vieth and Saving Leonardo by Nancy Pearcy. Then give this one another shot.

[@klonsagaen]

i do not care if you are a beginner a medium or advanced at drawing. as long as yo do it for God. that´s enough. bye.

[@jordandwek]

anything representing god in his glory can’t be bad. please don’t make titles that just gain followers your words have impacts on people.

[@selah3516]

a lot of Christian artistic expressions tend to be bad quality. look at a lot of Christian movies, clothes, or music. theres good quality too but there's a lot of bad quality

[@multiversehacking]

Too many generalizations here. If by art you mean movies, agree. If you include music or fictional books, there is a ton of great stuff there. Maybe the title should have been "Why are Christian Movies So Often Bad?" But that doesn't sound as cool and cultural. =)

[@saurabhdey5167]

If you point your focus to the beautiful world God has created and start to explore, I'm not sure how much Christianity will be left in you. Religion wants to control natural human nature, Art will free the human being. How will you say appreciate the art of pagans and hindus and egyptians. The very concept of art developed outside the confines of religion. And the various movements of art in the western world were against this religious mindset. Religions have no space for creativity and art. Atleast your younger brother Islam accepts it and honestly calls art haram. Tell me, being a Christian, how will you ever appreciate the icons and the deities that are so important in art history. If you set out to explore nature how will you explain concepts that all this has been created by God for man. You will realize that you're nothing but a spec of life when you explore nature. If someone can then answer me, I'm sitting here in the lap of the only surviving and thriving culture of the pre-Christian world(the Hindu world) which dogmatic religions could not destroy. How will you appreciate our art forms ever? I don't think you can. Obviously you haven't put much thought into this that essentially religion is a dogma that is DESIGNED to take the very art out of you that you're trying to pursue, and basically turn you into sheep. Period.

[@elsainnamorato2231]

For God hates pride and vanity.We make art to Glorify God or to make art to glorify ourselfs?. We are created in the image of God with creativity and skillful hands to create beautiful things.Jesus Christ teaches us that man has fallen and is full of wickedness and iniquity . Example:So you won first prize in an art gallery, you get so many praises and recognition and acceptance! Then why is no one Blessing glorifying and thanking God , you were created with gifts and skills ? Yet no one remembers God .Because " the arts" do not Glorify God . Salvation is reached through faith not your works!!!. In order for us to please God read the scriptures and where God teaches us what pride is, learn how to be humble . Anything that gives you attention or makes you the center of attention is not of God is of the world. And God gave Satan power over this world. Does Satan have such strong hold on you that you think that creating art is not a sin and it is going to please so much God? So many people will do things in God's name, without knowing if it's good in God's eyes.

[@stacym5135]

Elsa Innamorato - In the Old Testament there was a clear description of an artist and that was in Exodus about Bezalel. He had an assistant named Oholiab to help him in those same talents and giftings. So it seems that God thought art was important and can be done by people with the guidance and help of God's Holy Spirit to get it done. If we walk in the Spirit and not the flesh then those things will last when we stand before God in judgement. God is big enough to guide artists to do the work He would have them do for HIm. Artists need to yield to God and do as He would have them do. Crucify the flesh. The current art world is so dark and gets darker by the day. Art is so valuable in getting messages across both good and bad. If Christian artists would yield their flesh to God's will then so much could be done to shine a light in those dark places. Art does glorify God if it's done guided by His spirit. God bless you.

[@elsainnamorato2231]

@@stacym5135 there is no mention of the word "art" in the Bible the words creat craft and gift. Good since you're familiar with the Bible a goal for a Christian is to please and Obey God in every way . The art culture does not follow the spiritual law. I can spend 40 hours a week crafting, painting designing excetera. Then go home take care of my family read the Bible and get some rest. Am I living the life that God wanted me to? Am I serving the lord, making selling admiring my creations convincing people to buy something they don't need is that what God gave me Life for. Or for example of friend of mine invited me to go to an art gallery. There's a whole lot of different kind of worked but there's also included sexual art nudity art. You know these art galleries must have these items because they are of interest. We have taken all words out of they're holy contents to fill our needs. Remember this is a fallen world and God want none of it read the book of Revelations there ain't going to be no statue no picture nothing left. Some people cannot differentiate between or psychological carnal needs and our spiritual growth. For Glory to God we are going to be saved by his Mercy because we have all fallen short of his Glory when God gave Satan the world Satan rules over everything. He is eternal these are all his to possess. God did not intend for us to live the way we live today. We create things only to make a dollar. Many families should be getting together every night and reading the Bible Glorifying God. That's how we show love to God not through our works that includes Art. Sea Art is not the problem we are. How many people idolize their jewelry cars their homes their paintings ect. entertainment business in Art culture I'm not part of God's agenda. It was hard for separate myself from art but after 7 years I understand now why God wants us to concentrate on other things that are more worthy of him than waste of our time they can lead us to some behaviors there are conflicting with words of Jesus Christ in the Bible. In the mind and in the eyes of a true Christian art is in the sky in the hills in the mountains this is his portrait. Any tiny spider a, stooping down to that little tiny flower in the grass to take a look at how cute and adorable it is that it was created by the hands of the that is art! ✋🙏❤️

[@stacym5135]

@@elsainnamorato2231 Hi! Thanks for the kind response. I appreciate it. A lot of what you talked about I do not agree with but some of it I do. When it comes to art there are Christians who do Christian art that do not involve nudity, etc. . Art can be used to bring people to God and God can use ANYTHING He wants to do that as well, even non Christian art. You infer that art is a waste of time and it glorifies the artist but think of this: some artists use the money they raise to fund Christian ministries or use to to spread the gospel for caring for the poor. They take some or all of the earnings and use it to help others in the name of Christ. Just like if someone wrote a book, books that have artistic illustrations, or sews and sells clothing, that was designed with an artistic eye with artistic patterns, they can take the funds they receive from the sales of those goods and use it for the kingdom. Art does have value if it's pointing to God and it can be used to further His kingdom if the artist uses to profits they make towards that. There was a time ages ago where people were illiterate and so the artwork in glass windows in churches that showed images of Bible stories were what reached those illiterate people. The gospel was spread that way. And even today in a very dark world you can see that same glass artwork 1) still spreading the gospel and 2) reminding people of what Jesus did for them. There are also sculptures and stone carvings on Church land of Bible stories, and Jesus dying for people's sins that are out in the public arena like big cities. How can they not be valid artwork when they are out in the open showing people what Jesus did for them? Some people will never go to a church and so those outdoor artworks are there to speak to them and can be used by God to convict and lead them to Him as they walk and drive by. There is art, secular art, out there that does nothing but build up the ego of the artist and is just a waste of time, I agree. But please don't throw all art into the same boat. It's not all the same and not every artist is doing art for selfish reasons or keeping all their income from it to themself.

[@elsainnamorato2231]

@@stacym5135🌝 thank you for your reply I will reply something good for you tomorrow because right now I'm getting ready to go to sleep so goodnight. God bless you

[@soioioioioioio34]

bad? nah

[@Lekz0]

Wrong