There is a tremendous level of detail and craftsmanship that goes into the tabernacle. Too bad the level of excellence that went into creating it doesn't go into creating Christian "art."
That was harsh. Uncalled for? Maybe. A broad generalization? Yes. But I think that this passage champions excellence when it comes to things that are created FOR God. If you call yourself a Christian artist, your stuff better be good or just yourself an "artist." Drop God out of it. He seems to be concerned with quality.
And on top of that, those of us not skilled in the arts should "give as our hearts are led" to the artists. Exodus 25:2 isn't about tithes. Those are ALWAYS required. This is about a special thing. Art. Something extra. Something for God. Something only a few people are skilled enough to work on. So we need to help them.
And if it's not good... I really think that we should let them know.
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hallelujah, amen. do you feel like preaching at my church, or really any church with a big enough reach to touch my congregation?
ReplyDeleteI'm not into "art" necessarily, but I can definitely respect good craftsmanship and the idea of not taking part in something you a)don't know how to do/what you're doing or b)suck at (this is where a lot of character is needed as one is asked to be very honest with them self). I don't think there is one person in Chicago that can properly hang a door...or lay tile. if there is they've never been near any apartment I've lived in thus far. Of course, they're not hanging these doors for God, just me. Also, this isn't what the passage is about, I'm just sick of doors not closing.
ReplyDeleteGoing back, I am not into art, but I can imagine what you just said stepped on a lot of toes. Which is fine. I think a lot of "artists" may read something like this and pull the "how dare you judge my art and what I do to worship" card, but I think I see where you're going. The passage explains the building of the temple, art yes, contracted by God himself, yes, who already took care of the blueprints. Funny, if this were to happen today, if God were to "hand" down a set of instructions for building a temple for him and it included aspects that could be categorized as art, it would never be built. Everyone would be in different directions about the interpretation of the directions, style of the art and color of the curtains. Long connecting stretch, but I think a lesson can be gathered from good old Nadab and Abihu (Numbers 26:61), who were consumed when they attempted to offer "strange" incense to the Lord (i.e. not what God asked for).
Are things different now, though? Can we judge what art is well done and not especially when it's done for the Lord? I usually say something offensive to alienate myself from the crowd when this conversation gets started.
I lot of this is on my mind after the National Religious Broadcasters convention. At NRB, you run into the full gambit. There are people there from Hollywood who make amazing "Christian" movies, TV shows and just generally beautiful productions. Then there are the people that create stuff that looks like it was edited with iMovie after being recorded on a $100 Walmart camera. And, hey, I love me some low budget productions. But at least have a good message. One that engages the current audience and not just the homeschool mom that dresses her kids in floor length dresses that match the drapes of the double wide.
ReplyDeleteWhen you hear the word, "art" with "Christian" attached to it your first thought shouldn't be "cheesy." If it's supposed to be holy, set aside, I think that it should be special. Or at least good.
I know that's a hard pill to swallow.
First of all, I loved this post and it speaks to something I've really had on my mind and heart lately.
ReplyDeleteI think you can apply it to more than just art ... you can apply it to everything that God has talented us and gifted us with and how we use it.
For example, if someone is a terrible speaker and they're still trying [long after any hard work or practice would make a difference], then they should be told and encouraged to move on. If they're so focused on the speaking part, maybe their true gift from God is being neglected and sitting on the back burner. I know our church is one where we take anyone willing to work and throw them wherever they want instead of truly seeking where they belong. How much wasted effort and mediocre "programs" or "ministries" do we have as a result of misplaced talents?
Only when we realize where we're wrong can we work toward where we should be.
i agree. one hundred percent i agree. i think that hardest part is when you're trying to "do art" for a living... say... in a ministry. and maybe you're doing the a job that in the most companies six people would be doing. but there isn't money for six people to do it. so you do.
ReplyDeletethen what?
because the thing is... i know sometimes that it's not great. it sucks. it's frustrating... sometimes i don't want to put my name on it.
but i still have to do it. and i have to get it out by the deadline, while trying to get a hundred other things done.
so... i guess the best thing i can do is just not call it "art".
but man... that sucks.
Jeremy, I've wondered too often a church will do something outside their talents because the pastor got excited at a conference or workshop. I can imagine that a young pastor in the heartland has a hard time not doing all the things he dreamed about in seminary. He most likely won't find the next Chris Tomlin in his congregation. He probably won't have an amazing graphic designer or video editor. So he'll make due. Suzy homemaker will design the bulletin and Joey the pimpled high school junior will play guitar. It's not "art" in it's truest sense. It may in fact be "worship," but I get frustrated when Joey starts doing concerts and Suzy starts selling mugs with Jesus stenciled on the side.
ReplyDeleteI agree, we rob Joey if we push him into music ministry when maybe he could have made a bigger difference fixing transmissions in Ethiopia. It's hard. It's a tough line. Which is why I'm not a pastor... I get to sit back and write jaded blogs.