The Purpose of Art: Beauty or Ugliness?
These are troubled times. There are few who would regard
themselves as “whole persons”, free of some level of inner brokenness. Foundational truth has been rejected, leaving ourselves floating in a gray and dusty void.
If the
contemporary mind explores any notion of the profound, it finds emptiness and
meaninglessness in a self-centrally defined existence. Expressions of nihilism
and moral disintegration abound in movies, TV, art, and music. To push the boundaries
is the only stimulation a society in moral decline can find to entertain
itself, expressing and imbibing its deadness.
Artists can be a voice to highlight beauty and meaning. By
reclaiming the positive inspiration of the beauty of artistic expression, creativity edifies society
rather than reinforcing emptiness. Art can be a light resisting the despairing nothingness so prevalent.
Ultimately, creativity glorifies God. Art is a witness to the
God who is truly there, the eternal God who is. If individuals with personality
can think and express themselves with so many kinds of creative outlets, how
much infinitely greater is the personal Creator who made us? We have been given
a gift not only to enjoy, but steward as a blessing to others and worship God
as we serve Him.
For since the creation of the world His invisible
attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being
understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14)
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