The creations that form from an artist’s brush or pen are inspired by God and the spark of creativity that God planted deep in the soul of that artist. How that spark formed, grew, translated from inspiration to idea to knowledge to paper and canvas and paint and chisel and stone is nearly as miraculous as life itself. We cannot comprehend how this happens, but we can observe it and discuss it; consider its form and substance, its meaning and origin.

Christian art has always been a way for believers to meditate on God’s promises. Megan Mitchel ponders, “My conviction is that art goes beyond luxury. Art and beauty address the human need for hope.” She continues, “Beauty helps me believe that divine good does prevail. Seeking to bring the Kingdom of God to earth includes restoring the beauty that is present in creation … and adding to it.”

This blog site explores the connection between FAITH and ART. Not specifically Christian Faith, nor Christian Art, though it will tend toward Christianity since that is my background and faith base.

In this discussion I am drawn by two mentors or inspirations. In an article by Ryan Stander from May of 2016 titled “The Relationship Between Faith and Art” (which you can read in full here ) Mr. Stander suggests using these questions for narrowing down the vast, almost limitless quantity of art to choose from for contemplation and meditation.

Does it resonate with or illuminate some aspect of our faith?

Does it cause us to see the world and God’s people in new ways?

Does the work of art challenge or critique our lives, faith, or the church?

Does it nourish our hearts and minds?

Does it cause us to pick up our cross and follow?

The second mentor is the late Rev. Dr. Ron Rosenau who created an analytical process for looking at art faithfully and asking four questions.

What do you see?

What do you feel?

What do you wonder about?

What do you think?

This process is explained more deeply here and is the basis for our communal dialogue which allows us to explore our faith more deeply. Please participate as we dive into each work. let us begin our journey together below.