Christian Art Work - What it is, What It"s Not
It is not necessarily mass-produced, cheesy, or made poorly.
It is not necessarily outright religious, portraying a cross, Jesus, an angel, or a church.
Genuine Christian art work is work that truly inspires! This may include a religious symbol or an important Biblical figure, but it may not! What about gorgeous scenery, like a mountain or a beach scene? Well-done photographs and paintings of landscapes can inspire, too! After all, God made the mountains and beaches and more! He gave His many different talents to everyone, especially the gift of art to some! You can see his wonder everywhere! A beautiful drawing of a rose, a sweet picture of your favorite wild animal...
surrounding your home or office with this can also be Christian art work! It gives your eyes a visual feast, a place to rest, a reminder that God is in control! But it is different in that it does not destroy but builds up.
Perhaps the art makes you think, but it is never evil or self-serving! It does not glorify godless behavior.
The ultimate goal of Christian art work is to bring you, and others who see your work, into a more intimate relationship with Jesus! How can it do that? Because as the creator of all things, especially art, he can redeem, heal, touch, encourage, lift up, especially through art! Why be careful and discerning about what Christian art work is and is not? Because if you put a piece on your walls, realize you are reflecting Christ.
Just because a piece of art is stamped with the name "Christian" does not make it necessarily excellent! Poor quality reflects poorly on God, giving nonbelievers ammo to discredit us.
And that discredits God! On the other hand, high quality work, whether blatantly Christian or not, stands out in today's world of dark art that glorifies evil.
It's not that we should be afraid to put something that smacks of religion on our wall for fear of offending.
If it's good, display it! But along with it, other subjects of art work can be just as Christian and just as inspiring!