As we emerge from modernist times, when science defined knowledge, and continue moving into a postmodern era, in which many look to their affinity group and "individual realities" for knowledge and meaning, how do those who believe in absolute truth speak most clearly and effectively? This question is especially pertinent to Christians, who see it as their biblical mandate to engage the unbelieving public and seek to persuade them toward faith. Will they reach many people with timeless messages of God-given standards, eternal consequence and gracious redemption by only focusing on factual analysis of Scripture? Or is something more soulish required, too? Can the arts and the creative use of media legitimately bridge the gap between the message and the hearers? Legendary author C.S. Lewis believed that we do not need more books about Christianity, but rather more Christians writing good books.
How should Christian literature and other art forms help shape public discourse? Public policy? Private and family lives? Conversely, how should Christians allow art to shape their own lives? These are all questions that require deeper reflection than is often given them. We offer you a place to begin reflecting in our special focus.
Image at top right is a portion of Grace Foretold, a painting by Makoto Fujimura, 1997.
—Byron Barlowe, Editor/Webmaster, Leadership University
"On Earth As It Is In Heaven": Is Art Necessary for the Christian? Don Hudson What role should art play in the life of Christians? Where do we draw boundaries? How do we even define true art, and its purpose, in the first place? Don Hudson asserts that contemporary Christians often shun art out of misplaced fear rather than embrace it as a vehicle to God's transcendence.
Martha Nussbaum, Poet's Defender Review by Alan Jacobs "Poetic Justice: The Literary Imagination and Public Life" by Martha Nussbaum is the subject of this review. Good introduction to a writer on a years-long mission to demonstrate the radical concept of compatibility between literature and certain branches of philosophy. The reviewer finds the observations of her latest work to be both fascinating and flawed, which he skillfully extrapolates to her larger goal of bringing poetry/literature together with the economic/political realm.
Partnership and Partings: A Comparison of the Genres and Themes in The Pilgrim's Regress and Till We Have Faces Mark Linder The novels named in the subtitle above--the least known and celebrated works of literary icon and Oxford don C.S. Lewis--are important for understanding Lewis's culture-shaping career. "...Each in its own way reflects important aspects of his life, his thought, and his use of fiction in communicating his understanding of Christianity," says author Mark Linder.
The New Wave of Christian Broadcasting Terry Mattingly Syndicated religion columnist Terry Mattingly profiles veteran Christian producer Bob Briner's damning critique of Christian engagement of the culture through media.
The Light of the World: Poetic Imagery and the Gospel Charles Colson, Breakpoint Commentary Noting the affect of the popular Bill Moyers book, The Language of Life, culture-watcher and author Chuck Colson urges readers to communicate the message of hope found in the Scripture to people through the emotional gateway of poetry.
Come, Bring Your Story Don Hudson A pastor's confession to losing interest in the Bible and his discovery: what he needed was not more discipline, but a renewed understanding of the intent and presentation of the Bible--as a grand storytelling. Hudson recounts two stories, one from within the Bible, one from without and compares them to show us the life-changing power of a story (as opposed to mechanical analysis), especially those stories that claim to be of God.
George Rochberg's Revolution Michael Linton A renewed appreciation of artistic integrity and the prophetic role of the artist is very much the legacy of composer George Rochberg's musical revolt, and one for which we owe him our thanks.
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