An erstwhile colleague of mine asks an important question: "Is there actually such a thing as 'Christian Art' anyway? Does art produced by Christian need to consist of overtly Christian imagery? Surely not. Derek posits the idea of 'artist-theologian' - rather than Christian artist. The artist-theologian seeks to interpret God's world and His purposes in that world through the chosen medium - perhaps clay, film, paint or wood, as opposed to the words and metaphors of the more traditional theologian. In this regard, the 'artist-theologian' can help to lift the endeavour of theology out of the realm of 'mere words' and into something that touches the soul."
I pretty much agree and note that the challenge for theological educators is to learn how to get beyond 'mere words' in both teaching and assessing and do so with academic integrity. Some have given up and concluded that it is impossible. But I fear that betrays ignorance or lack of imagination. After all, there are degrees offered in the arts ... !
Out of the Cocoon - Main - Wikiklesia #7 : Theology as Art:
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