by Bridgette
Art and the Bible is a collection of two essays by the late epistemologist and missionary, Francis Schaeffer.
His purpose in writing the essays was to teach what the Bible says about art and explain perspectives on art through the ages. With that knowledge, he hoped to give readers the ability to interpret the creative expressions around them and explore creativity with biblical hedges. I am focusing this review on the first essay, aptly named, "Art in the Bible".
The essay's main themes are:
The Lordship of Christ
The foreword by Michael Card sums up why he thought Schaeffer's writings brought line of sight to many tossed and turned by the various doctrines in Jesus Movement of the 1960s and 70s. He says, "this book, a primer on biblical creativity, sought to drum into us the idea that we create out of a worldview and that it is our responsibility to align that point of view with Scripture before we continue on."
“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” - Abraham Kuyper
The Whole Man
Schaeffer explores the fact that Adam was created as a "whole man" with reason, emotions, and creativity. Although mankind in its fallen state has the ability to exercise reason, emotions, and creativity - these are not directed towards dominion and fruitfulness which points to the glory and enjoyment of God. Schaeffer proposes that Christians, whose faculties are redeemed by the Second Adam, are capable of creating objects of beauty and function.
Challenges in the Body
Christ's bride on Earth will have her schisms until he returns.
Not only are there differing views towards art through the centuries, but across denominations, local churches, and amongst even the smallest groups of believers.
Schaeffer expounds on commons objections and responds. Here are key points on some:
Graven images: the 2nd commandment
"...the commandment is not against making art but against worshiping anything other than God and specifically against worshiping art. To worship art is wrong, but to make art is not." (p. 20)
Art and the Tabernacle
The patterns, design, and architecture of the tabernacle in Exodus was divine revelation, even down to the priests' clothes! (p. 20-25)
The Temple
When David hands Solomon the plans for the temple, he says, "the LORD made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, all the details of this pattern." (1 Chronicles 28:19).
Poetry and Music
The Psalms, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and the countless references in the Bible to singing and playing instruments.
The essay concludes with a meditation on the last days and and this fitting scripture from Revelation 15: 2-3:
"And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that come off victorious from the beast, and from his image, and from the number of his name, standing by the sea of glass, having harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the ages."
I, too long for the day will when we will dwell together in perfect understanding and unity, worshipping our Creator.
Book quotations are from, "Art and the Bible" by Francis A. Schaeffer, © IVP Classics. 1973. 2006.
Comments