Where do I begin to relay to you the great impact of the arts in my life? It is like trying to describe an emotion outside of experiencing it. This is how difficult it is to convey the heart of art. Perhaps it would do to take you through a mental escapade of how the arts can impact lives and has impacted mine.
Art: A Language Beyond Words
Art is dynamic. It is one of the most passion-filled, powerful and creative means of communication outside of speech. Music, Dance, Visual Art, Photography, Poetry to mention a few have become languages all on their own, breaking down barriers and connecting people.
The Ever-Evolving Nature of Creativity
Think of music which is the lingua franca of the world, the language everybody can understand from the monk to the murderer. Art is also creative. New dance moves are being invented as we speak, unforgettable songs made, pictures sketched according to the understanding of the times. Fashion designing also evolves according to the understanding of the times. In this sense Art is revitalising or revolutionary. It is not surprising that for every generation it is the youth who are at the forefront of the arts. Young people seem to find better refuge in the dynamic nature of Art to facilitate what they best feel inside.
The Arts and the Body of Christ
Now to cover the most probing question – what is the significance of the arts to the Body of Christ?
There is no question at all. Art is spiritual. It prides itself in allowing the artist to go into the depth of his inner man to derive meaning. For a follower of Jesus Christ and one born of the water and Spirit (John 3:5) it simply means that it is a platform for the Holy Spirit. Art is a prime platform for the creative Holy Spirit to expressly show Himself off. He is the Artistic and Creative One. The word of God tells us that the Holy Spirit was on the surface of the deep before there was any formation of heaven or earth or anything else (Gen 1: 1-2). By the Holy Spirit He (God) adorned the Heavens (Job 26:13). The Holy Spirit is Creativity and the arts should then belong to Him. It appears that it is the secular world and not the children of God who best grasp the mystery and beauty of the arts.
A Call for the Church to Embrace Creativity
Why the Church has treated the arts contemptuously is beyond any com-prehension. Perhaps we should pray for renewed vision for this unique ministry of the Holy Spirit.
When a dancer commands the stage, committing her body in dance and her spirit and soul in worship it is captivating. When a rapper lyrically unravels wisdom on punchy beats it. When a singer shuts her eyes and takes her voice on a journey along acoustic strings it creates an altar of healing. You will find yourself smiling again and learning to love again. Art is passionate. Art is power. Art is at the best of times the most beautiful worship. I simply thank God for giving us this gift.
Originally published in the print edition of DIVINE Magazine, Issue 02.
