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April 9, 2007 The Question: Does
Ap(ostolic) Culture encourage/discourage individual creativity in the arts
(painting/ photography/ video/ writing, etc.)? Why? The Answer: “Discourage
in my opinion. I think some of it roots from the culture of the ‘folks’ who
started AP culture—not as affluent as the Lord has blessed us to become.
Another perspective is that most artists are creating things to be appreciated
that will draw attention to either the art or the artist. This is somewhat
contrary to the values of Christianity. I’m a painter and can find great joy
in expressing myself through painting and music. At this point in my life I
prefer to do it in private and give it away for free to avoid the praise that
people put on you when they see the work you’ve done. I’m not saying
everyone can’t handle the praise, but it’s not good for me—I can’t
afford to be puffed up. It’s counterproductive to my calling as a Christian
first.” The Answer: “No!
Because the arts are blurry. They have gray areas. And we don’t like gray
areas! We want answers! We want truth!” The Answer: “Sorry
to say, but our culture discourages individual creativity. When I was fresh out
of high school and the Armed Forces I was not encouraged toward college, but
rather it was spoken against. College was viewed as the devil’s playground.
Surely the power of the Holy Ghost in a Christian’s life was no match for
these humanistic college professors. Surely we would be robbed of our faith.
Pentecostalism and intellectualism are still oxymorons today. Sorry, it’s a
sore subject for me. I feel robbed of so much by this barbarian thinking that
plagues us.” The Answer: “Ap
culture definitely affects my art (I’m a former professional artist,
semi-pro musician, photographer, and a writer). I don’t see Ap culture
encouraging or discouraging my art. I am what I am. My art simply reflects my
values and philosophies.” The Answer: “I
don’t think the arts are mentioned very much at all. Period. So, I would have
to say, neither.” The Answer: “The
question premise is faulty. What do you mean by “Ap Culture”? (Ooh, more bad
grammar--so hip!) Do you mean the old school, conservative folks that actually
don’t have a TV or watch videos? Or do you mean the new school that read
Purpose-Driven books and watch videos as long as they are ‘good’ ones?
(Using videos just as an example.) There is such a wide gap between the two; it
is impossible to reconcile. The new school doesn’t see it, I think, but the
old school certainly does. It’s a gap the size of the Grand Canyon. Secondly,
as usual, this question is missing the point entirely. The life that is truly
submitted to Jesus is not about self, and ‘my’ creativity, and ‘my’ this
or that. Follow the Lord! Don’t worry about the rest.” The Answer: “In
a way I think it discourages creativity in Ap Culture. When I was younger, I
wanted to be an artist but was afraid to draw the human body unclothed because I
didn’t know if it was proper. I didn’t know what was acceptable and what
wasn’t. To me the human body is beautiful and God created it, so why be
ashamed to draw or paint it? A person should pray about what they create and I
believe the Lord will convict us if we are out of His will.” The Answer: “I
would lean more toward the ‘encourage’ side of this question, although I’m
not thoroughly convinced. As someone who makes a living in the arts, I can see
why we’ve avoided involvement. People in the arts tend to be more liberal and
less interested or involved in any kind of Christianity. Don’t get me wrong; I
think it’s very possible to be ‘in and not of.’ God doesn’t put a
soap dispenser where there are not dirty hands. I think greater openness to
education has opened us to the possibility of involvement and impact in this
field.” The Answer: “This
should be the subject of a series of articles, not the Big Question. For a good
fictional treatment of this from the Hasidic point of view, read My Name is
Asher Lev, and The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok.” The Answer: “Ap
culture discourages creativity. The Ap culture desires clones.” The Answer: “The
arts are about thinking for yourself, so possibly it is discouraged. I believe
that this is changing, though. Our pastors are seeing that thinking church
people are okay and they make more money, so they can pay more tithes. We are
much more educated now than ever before! Thank goodness!” The Answer: “I
have had a writing published and my child had a photography art show. My family
encourages education!” The Answer: “Ap
culture is changing to be more encouraging of creativity in the arts. I think
that before this time there has been too much pressure to be ‘perfect.’
Before I wouldn’t write anything negative because I would be considered carnal
with a lack of faith. Now I see more people being real--facing the facts that
even Aps have problems--and sin, too! Maybe it is just my mind that has changed,
but I am at liberty now and my mind is full of creative art projects targeted
for Aps!” The Answer: “I
think the Apostolic culture is changing when it comes to artistic expression. I
think for a very long time, if you were an artist, your creation had to be
functional—pictures for a magazine, poems for a newsletter, songs suitable for
Sunday morning service. Anything that touched on the fringe of acceptability or
touched on the fact that many artists are expressing an internal conflict was
out of the questions. I think there is a new breed of Apostolics coming up that
believe art sets you free, that you can express questions, hurts, and new ideas
simply for the sake of expression. I’m seeing this especially in our writing
and our music. This is an important awakening because individuals who are
allowed and encouraged to create freely without judgment become people who are
more in tune with themselves, and can in turn connect better with those around
them, to touch their lives and allow God to minister through their honesty and
openness.” The Answer: “Yes,
our culture discourages creativity in two ways: 1) the arts are associated with
‘bad’ stuff—Hollywood, the music industry (unless it’s Southern gospel),
nude
sculptures, etc. 2) We haven’t reached the place where we can admit that all
of our talents can be used to glorify God.” The Answer: “I
don’t thing arts are discouraged, it’s just one art that is more encouraged
that others, and that is music. We definitely need a balance. If a church has an
awesome music program but a tract typed in one font, on plain paper, why not
encourage a budding graphic designer in the church to really use the God-given
talent to create an attractive advertisement? But then this is your question,
not mine.” The Answer: “I
think Ap culture is irrelevant with regards to the arts. Artists will create art
one way or another--it’s in their blood.” The Answer: “I
have had my fill with Ap culture. It discourages lots of things good and
encourages lots of stupid things. It’s not biblical and really gets in the way
of our reaching the lost. That’s why many in my generation, especially
preacher’s kids, are thumbing their nose at the whole thing and walking away.
It’s amazing when you learn you can have God without the trouble of the
emotional baggage of the last century attached.” The Answer: “I
think there is a hesitancy of acceptance at first, but generally most logical
Apostolics are open to accepting ministries as long as the only goal is to
glorify Christ. I also think that sometimes creative Apostolics misuse these
avenues. I do believe that Ap culture is rapidly realizing what gets people’s
attention, but we cannot forget the basis of our ministry--Jesus Christ!”
ninetyandnine.com ©
2007, ninetyandnine.com ---------- |
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