10 STUPID THINGS THAT CHRISTIANS DO #9: Making Mediocre Art

As Kemper Crab has put it, "Why do evangelicals make bad art?" He says that the issue is actually a theological issue - a lack of understanding the nature of our Artistic, Triune Creator.

If God is the Ultimate Artist, and we have been created in His image [Genesis 1:26], then it would make sense that, if we have been endowed with creative abilities, our art should be representative of the One who made us.

Essentially, we are God's art. Except God has endowed us with creative genius - a thumbprint, or reflection of God's nature.

Why, then, have the last 60 years of "art made by Christians" been rather mediocre - a mere copy of what the rest of the world has already thought of.

Thank God, this is changing! Still, since the issue is theological in nature, as Believers we should OWN this problem, and begin taking steps to be more original.

We are the imago Dei. The Christian community should be on the cutting edge of creativity. After all, we have been redeemed. God's people are about being a part of God's agenda of making things right again. This should absolutely include our art.

Additionally, some of the cheesiest music around today is CCM (Contemporary Christian Music); you know, the kind on the radio. Much of it is not even close to being theologically accurate, and if it is, its usually really superficial, forced, sentimental, and lame. I remember when I was a kid, I would say about my "Christian CD's" that they "sound almost like the band they're trying to sound like". How depressing it is that we were taught to embrace such a defeatist point of view! But as many of you know, this was normal.

You know what's worse than the crates of bad art being shipped out by Christians? It's the protectionistic, youth-groupie 30 year olds who still like it, and so they defend it with some kind-hearted logic, usually starting with "At least...".

All in all, the "world" should be looking to us for ideas, not the other way around. Within the past 10 years, some of the greatest art came from Christ-followers, but none of it made it into the Christian bookstores. But, you know what's ironic? These folks, when asked to sign to "Christian record labels", refused. Likewise, many of the authentic Christians in bands refuse to allow their band to be labeled as "Christian", despite that they are all disciples of Christ.

If we claim to know Him - Artistic Creator - then our art should be better - period. So, if we want to bring God glory, then we should strive to be creative, making the best art possible.