Art for God's Sake

BOOK REVIEW

By Philip Graham Ryken

Art for God’s Sake offers a simple biblical understanding of the arts to help Christians engage with art in a way that honours God. Ryken explores 4 biblical principles for a theology of the arts.

"This is the Christian view of art: the artist is called and gifted by God - who loves all kinds of art; who maintains high aesthetic standards for goodness, truth, and beauty; and whose glory is art's highest goal."

The artist’s call and gifts come from God. We cannot boast in our artistic talents because they are a gift. A gift from the Great Artist. This thought keeps us from pride and saves us from idolising those more talented than us. It should also prompt us to follow God’s call to create if we hear it.

"Artists are called and gifted - personally, by name - to write, paint, sing, play, and dance to the glory of God."

God loves all kinds of art. It can be tempting to think that some art forms are ‘more Christian’ than others. That music played on the organ more holy than that played on the drums. That traditional oil painting is more holy than digital illustration. But art that is good, true and beautiful can be made in all manner of ways.

"God wants all of the arts to flourish in all the fullness of their artistic potential, so that we may discover the inherent possibilities of creation and thereby come to a deeper knowledge of our Creator."

God maintains high standards for goodness, truth, and beauty

"Our art must be in keeping with the character of our God, who himself is good, true, and beautiful."

Ryken claims that art that is good, true and beautiful honours God because it reflects his character and therefore points us to him. That doesn’t mean that Christian artists can only paint beautiful scenes or write uplifting music. But it means that Christian art is redemptive. We have hope. We are not left alone in despair and chaos.

"Whatever stories it tells, and whatever ideas and emotions it communicates, art is true only if it points in some way to the one true story of salvation - the story of God's creation, human sin, and the triumph of grace through Christ."

Art is for the glory of God. We are, as in everything, to pursue art with right motives. We aim to glorify God, not ourselves. To serve others, not ourselves.

"The true purpose of art is the same as the true purpose of anything: it is not for ourselves or for our own self-expression, but for the service of others and the glory of God. Or to put all of this another way, making art is an expression of our love - love for God and love for our neighbour."

If you’re looking for a theology of the arts, this book is for you. If you want some guidance as you think through what it means to be an artist, I think you’ll find this book a helpful guide.

Abby Chilton

Graphic Designer at Greater Worth

The Church Graphic Design Training Programme

Equipping church volunteers and staff members with practical skills to create designs which share your message beautifully.

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BOOK REVIEW

Art for God's Sake

By Philip Graham Ryken

Abby Chilton

The Church Graphic Design Training Programme

Small Church Discounts:

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Start learning

Continue learning

Start learning

Continue Learning

BOOK REVIEW

Art for God's Sake

By Philip Graham Ryken

Abby Chilton

The Church Graphic Design Training Programme

Small Church Discounts:

4 remaining

5 remaining

5 remaining

The Church Graphic Design Training Programme

Start learning

Continue learning

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