Christians and Culture by Dr. Charlie W. Starr Good art shows rather than says. It’s not preachy or teachy. It doesn’t have a moment when it says, “And the lesson I’m trying to teach you is . . . .” A great biblical example of this approach appears in the last few chapters of the […]
The purpose of art part seven: good art or bad?
Christians and Culture by Dr. Charlie W. Starr How can we tell good art from bad art? How do we watch movies, listen to songs, and read books in order to get the most meaning and the most entertainment out of them? When should we ask, “Is it true?” This month we talk about what […]
The purpose of art part six: art and truth
Christians and Culture by Dr. Charlie W. Starr Art can have many meanings at once; some true, some false, some neither, and those meanings that show us reality, whether earthly or heavenly, are the most true. But art’s relationship with truth is less about being true and more about helping us experience something real. Let’s […]
The purpose of art part five: meaning and truth
Christians and Culture by Dr. Charlie W. Starr Art is meant to entertain, give pleasure, and offer fun. It also shows beauty (that’s part of the pleasure it gives) and sometimes that beauty points to the glory of God. Art reaches us through imagination, showing us things rather than telling us—putting us through experiences that […]
The purpose of art: part four: beauty and glory
Christians and Culture by Dr. Charlie W. Starr Beauty appeals to the imagination. In part that means it appeals to our senses (like sight and sound). One of the qualities of good art is that it shows rather than tells. Art doesn’t tell us that we should be brave. It shows us courage so profound […]
