Art captures our thoughts and perspectives of the unseen world and puts them into viewable impressions. Our questions, experiences, and uncertainties about the spirit world are reflected in how we create art or how, as a viewer, we appreciate art.
Art attempts to provide inspiring settings for us to worship God and appreciate Creation. The architecture of many church buildings is designed to be awe-inspiring, to remind us of theological ideas, or at least conducive to our religious routines.
The Sainte Chapelle in Paris was designed to add glory to the relics that were preserved there. King Louis TX attempted to build a place in which a viewable radiance mirrored the spirit world (1). The stained glass reflected light in a way that made the structure appear glorious and sparkling.
Art in architecture gives us inspiring places to congregate. Though we cannot see the spirit world, artists have always been called upon to create representations of spiritual beings and places.
Many artists have been called upon to render art of the spirit world. Michelangelo designed the ceiling and many other intricate details of the Sistine Chapel as commissioned by Pope Julius II. The artist’s images are still viewed and appreciated today.
Today, we use art to compliment our religious routines, beliefs, and devotions as well. Art serves our time by adding creativity to a belief that has been passed down for many years.
The gospel tracts we hand out include character sketches of Bible characters. We print or email newsletters of our church functions with artistic drawings and clip art. Study Bibles even come with images created by a variety of artists. We have websites professionally designed for our churches or organizations that demonstrate our worship and adoration of God’s universe.
God continues to make all things new, and it’s a form of worship to admire that newness with contemporary art
trends and artistry to show how relevant God’s word still is today.
