Out of the Labyrinth

Art is no substitute for faith, worship, or biblical exegesis. It can, however, support Christians in the pursuit of clear thinking, godly living, and appreciation of God's created world. Indeed, it ought to do those things; there is a real sense in which it must. If it does not, it is either bad art, or not art at all.

Those who reject art, or who simply indulge in entertainment with no thought to its purpose or quality, devalue the gift God has given us. Art either reflects God's character and the true nature of creation, or it does not. Consequently, there are only two kinds of art: good art and bad art. Highbrow, lowbrow, folk culture, pop culture—these are all human terms, and don't reflect the combative nature of art, the sense in which good art and bad art are constantly contending for support and acknowledgement.

Identifying what is what is a skill which must be developed. Most people can't simply watch a movie or read a book and understand its themes without plenty of practice; but if a Christian is going to ever watch a movie or read a book or go to an art museum or listen to music, he or she must practice and cultivate that skill. There is no option. We're called to put on the mind of Christ. It is essential, therefore, that we learn to be discerning in all things.

There are messages in every art form and medium, and most of them are anti-Christian. It's not wrong to read Nietzsche, but it is wrong to read Nietzsche without analyzing his work from a biblical Christian perspective; it's not a sin to watch Inception, but it is a sin for a Christian to watch it without comparing everything that transpires onscreen to Christian doctrine.

Most people would agree it's impossible not to be engaged with art (whether good or bad) on some level, no matter your cultural context and personal preferences. If that's the case, Christians are obligated to develop a working attitude and approach to art, one that is careful, perceptive, and most of all dedicated to growth in Christ.

It's like a labyrinth that appears complex to those trapped inside, but seen from above becomes a simple puzzle anyone can solve. All humans begin trapped in the middle of the labyrinth, but their goal (whether they realize it or not) is to make their way, not out of the labyrinth, but above it. The contemporary view that all things are subjective is defunct, and was so from the beginning; the ancient modern view is that all things either speak truth or lies, and that it is the Christian's responsibility to untangle both wherever he finds them.