Читать книгу Art to the Glory of God - John Barber - Страница 4

This short introduction to the issue of God and art reminds me first of the question I was asked some time ago, “Chris, can you paint God?” I responded by saying, “No.” But I followed up with the observation that I could paint aspects of the attributes of God. The Christian artist is often struggling without guidance for we have a very long Protestant tradition of anti-visual art. The search for an honest look at art from a theological point of view has been taken up by several scholars, theologians, as well as by Christian artists, and much has been written on that subject in the last four decades. This booklet is a good addition to this dialogue that is now taking place between artists and the Church. We can all learn from each other and need to begin to appreciate that there are many ways in which to glorify God.

This booklet is written for the Church, for theological students, and for art students. It is my hope that especially theological students will benefit from a better understanding of the role of art within a biblical framework. It may come as a surprise to you that the first person who was inspired by God to make a worship environment was not a prophet, nor a priest, nor a king, but an artist. In the book of Exodus, chapter 31, we are introduced to Bezalel, whom the Lord called and inspired to build the tabernacle and all the items in and around the holy tent of God. Bezalel enhanced the worship experience according to God’s plan, from tent to altar, from vestments to vessels. God took this whole business of the worship space rather seriously.

John Barber challenges the role and task of art within the Christian community. Great art is missing from the places of worship. Why? That is the question that is explored in the beginning and followed by an introduction to other measuring criteria. Some of these will invite further discussion, and that is good. There are three sections on color that are especially interesting: Color’s Appeal, God and His World of Color, and the Color of Revelation. Like the author, I hope that this booklet will continue the dialogue about art and how we can best glorify the Lord together.

Chris Overvoorde

Professor Emeritus,

Department of Art and Art History

Calvin College