The Value of Art

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The Value of Art
Art can be misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misplaced in modern society. This is especially true in the life of Christians. Many Christians completely disregard art because they think it is a form of self-worship, a waste of time, or simply have no idea how to approach art. Some Christians will even avoid art museums, performances, and discussions because they do not want anything to do with art. Is something wrong with this negative approach to art? Should Christians participate in or avoid art in its various forms? Can Christians assess and appreciate art in a godly manner? Can studying art actually be beneficial to Christians? These are all questions that have been asked by many believers. Attempting to answer these questions takes the believer along a journey of understanding their own beliefs of art, increasing their knowledge about the bible, and learning what God's desire for the role of art is in their life.
The first thing Christians should do as they begin their journey of understand the role art has in their life is to read the bible to determine if they should even learn about art. Each Christian needs to grapple with the idea of whether art is even allowable in a Christian's life. As soon as the Christian starts reading the bible, he might note that God refers to man as His creation by describing mankind as his work of art. In Isaiah 64:8 it says, "We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." The reference of God creating man as a work of art is significant. Art cannot be inherently wrong if God created mankind in his image, and used art to explain his work in creation. As Christians continue to read through the Bible, they will find that it is full of art. Specifically...

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...que, Peter. "The Uselessness Of Art." Journal of Aesthetics & Art Criticism 68.3 (2010): 205-214. Art & Architecture Complete. Web. 3 Dec. 2013
Maute, Mary Jo. "Lake Whatcom Washington, Elizabeth Colborne." What Makes It Art. Whatcom Musueum, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. .
Ryken, Philip. "The Importance of the Arts in Christian Higher Education." Transpositions. Arras Word Press Theme, 12 Aug. 2011. Web. 04 Dec. 2013. .
The Holy Bible, New International Version: Containing the Old Testament and the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Bible, 1985. Print.
Uidhir, Mag Christy. "Why Pornography Can't Be Art." Philosophy and Literature 33.1 (2009): 193-203.Project MUSE. Web. 4 Dec. 2013. .

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