Nature Photography is a medium, experience, and creative expression that I am passionate about. Through this essay I would like to discuss and defend my biblical motivation for partaking in the act of being a nature photographer, and producing images of God’s creation for the general public to view and enjoy. I believe that nature photography can and should be harnessed as a medium, experience, and final product in an effort to glorify God; and ...
Evangelicals envision Christian worship as an escape from reality, where life is hard, filled with sickness, death, and lament. Yet good art, especially the Bible, knows better:
A lone figure strode from the forest, limping slightly. Her hood hid her face from view, but an onlooker could easily see her red hair peeking out. She walked with a slow determination, leaning on her staff as she crossed the empty field toward the bright village. It was the time of the harvest celebration and this particular village was anticipating the end of the season. The twilight was cheerfully greeted by the people as ...
NOT THERE YET I see a tree I see a house I see children playing Going inside and out I see sunflowers everywhere And a big scarecrow with a hat on his head And I’m not there yet But someday I’ll be And I’m not there yet But we’ll see (Lyrics by Luisa Sobral) CHARACTERS GWEN JESS CHERI ELISE JILL JUNE MAN 1 MRS. PRESTON SHELBY PASTOR ROB ACT 1 SCENE 1 The stage is set to Guinevere’s living room. Center stage there is couch, a chair and a coffee table. There is a blanket draped over the couch and also a ...
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1, 14) These verses hold precious theological truths about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They tell us that He was the in the beginning with God, that He was God and that as the Word of God He became flesh to dwell among us. The fullest expression of ...
I just watched this video made by a Moody student. This artist that he is featuring is going blind but decides to stick with art because she sees it as part of her identity. I can see art as a passion and as a love but as an identity? I’m not sure what I think of that yet. Let me know what you think. http://vimeo.com/32877145
I found an interesting article in Christianity Today that spotlights three artist groups who “blur” the lines between sacred and secular work. They talk about fighting the stigma of Christian art being a “cultural regurgitator”. I would be interested to know what your impression is and if you think they add anything to the conversation.
“Give up credibility today… it’s the only way forward.” – David Bazan Singer and songwriter David Bazan is possibly one of the more prolific and valued members of the independent music scene most notably with Pedro the Lion and as a solo artist. And for a while… he was a Christian. After many years of making faithful music chronicling the totality of his faith experience, even at its most raw, Bazan’s personal faith shifted away from the faithful. ...
Listen to Anne Lamott read a piece called Knockin’ On Heavens Door here on NPR’s This American Life. Lamott describes what she calls “a miracle” in witnessing two individuals transformed by the power that only music possesses. On a side note, it’s remarkable how candid she is about her faith in front of an audience of people who likely do not share her religious beliefs.
Moody Church consists of 1,000 to 2,000 people- diverse in age, ethnicity, and economically. A large community of artists is growing within Moody Church. The Church has tried to provide a creative involvement for artists in the community. One way the college group has sought to do this is with an event called “Create”. The purpose of “Create” is for artists to display their work, and for others, who are not necessarily artistic, to have ...
Coming from a strong collection of fiercely contemplative, and overwhelmingly creative Christian individuals, Madeleine L’Engle has composed some of the richest pieces of fiction to ever grace the evangelical arsenal, though not exclusively. Known mostly for her popular work “A Wrinkle in Time” L’Engle has survived the unfortunate categorizations of a “Christian Artist” by constructing truth-filled (but not always overt) compelling stories that reflect the nature of what is and what can be. Her works ...
Walking on water by Madeline L’Engle is a collection of thoughts on faith and art. L’Engle is an author of more than 50 books including the Newberry Winner, Wrinkle in Time. She was born in Manhattan on Nov. 29 1918; she died Sept. 6th 2007. By the age of 5 she had written her first book, and began to withdraw into her writing. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in English. Her works ...
I am a communicator. In every article I write, every media piece I create, and everything that I say I am attempting to convey meaning to my audience. I assume that I have the capability of meaningfully communicating with other people. However, in today’s post-modern context that assumption is constantly being challenged. Today, people are operating under the assumption that meaning is relative. When this line of reasoning plays itself out, then you run into ...
I love when a great story first comes out, and people appreciate it. But I know when all is said and done that this original piece of art will be stuck on repeat. Before long someone will take that idea and make 3 more of a similar story, squeezing out every ounce of original thought. But can anything be truly original? Since God is the ultimate Creator, when we create aren’t we just remixing the ...