A visit to just about any of the churches in Rome will allow the visitor to see brilliant works of art. Much time and money has been invested in statuary, paintings, mosaics, and marble decor among other artistic delights. There are representations of Biblical scenes and people; there are also statues of former church leaders and saints.
It seems to me that one aspect of being made in the image of God is that man was created to create. When we create, we are following in the footsteps of our creator. There is something good about creation, whether it is God’s creation ex nihilo, or if it is a work of art, literature or music produced by man.
Creativity is a form of worship. We ascribe worth by imitating the one we worship. I believe that this is true even when the artist does not acknowledge his dependence on his Creator God. By giving vent to his artistic skills, the artist is displaying that which was given him by his Creator.
Christians, who have been gifted in the arts, have the opportunity (obligation?) to use their artistic talents as an expression of worship. The Church should be providing a forum for those gifts to be used for worship. I think that the Roman church has gotten this part right.
From my recent visit to Rome, however, I need to offer a caution. While visiting the churches, I witnessed people venerating statues and paintings. I saw one man kissing the hands of a statue of a saint. Candles could be purchased and burned in front of many of these pieces of art, which I suppose to be some form of veneration. Much of what I observed seems misguided at best and idolatrous at worst.
How is a balance to be maintained? How can we appreciate the art and the artist without moving toward idolatry? Perhaps the answer lies in an understanding that all of the art, no matter how permanent it appears now, will one day all be consumed (see 2 Peter 3:10-11). While good art should be valued as such, it does not have ultimate value, it will not be carried into eternity.
Perhaps this gives us a clue as to the means of valuing art. Should we ascribe value to art by whether it encourages us to holiness and right living? After all, it is human beings alone that pass from this temporal existence into eternity.
What are your thoughts? How do we value art and avoid the danger of idolatry? Is there a difference between religious art and “secular” art?
Kevin Jandt says
January 1, 2014 at 9:44 PMHi Mary, I’m always so encouraged to see someone Catholic open a bible and realize Catholicism doesn’t make any sense. I hear a wonderful testimony about being born-again. (John 3:3) I’d like to challenge you as to whether you “actually” made that decision or God opened your heart to have knowledge and “belief” in who He really is. (James 2:19)
Scripture is quite clear that it is God that does the doing in salvation, yet mankind is also responsible to act on that, so from your perspective it may seem as though you did make a decision. However it is God that works in us.
Here are some passages that I hope you’ll meditate on, so that when you give your testimony it is the Lord that receives the praise. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
I’d encourage you to do a study on God’s Sovereignty in salvation. God gives sight to the blind, and raises the dead for His glory. Also consider these verses.
Ezekiel 36:23-29, John 6:35-40, Romans 9, there is too many to mention in this short response. Salvation comes via the word of God.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Soli Deo Gloria.
Kevin
Mary says
January 1, 2014 at 10:07 AMI was raised a Catholic, and later converted to Christian. As a young girl, I was taught to say prayers to ‘Mary’, the virgin mother of Jesus. When I became a teenager, a friend (not a Catholic) gave me a Bible. As I read, I began to see many things I was being taught not line up with the scripture. That is when I made the conscious decision to renounce Catholicism and become a born-again Christian.
There are many churches, or religions, that offer ‘art’ throughout their buildings of worship. I see no harm in displaying art, except that maybe it distracts from the real reason we are there? We should be there to worship God, #1 and only reason for worship.
I do believe that all gifts and talents are a gift from God, but I also believe that they should be displayed appropriately and not become an idol of worship in one’s mind.
TeamEdwardJace says
July 15, 2013 at 7:32 PMit may become idolatry if people start the worship the painter or see themselves as glorious as god. i mean sure, you are talented, but god gave you the talents
Ron Hyde says
April 13, 2013 at 10:52 AMNever underestimate how the Holy Spirit might draw people to Christ by what appears as idolatrous veneration.
Mark McIntyre says
April 13, 2013 at 2:24 PMGood point.
Tim Rolle says
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Mark McIntyre says
November 29, 1999 at 7:00 PMThanks, I'd appreciate if you would include a link in your post to the article that you borrow from.