Lesson 18

Theology and the Arts, Part I

Jill Schuler studied at Regent College and teaches Theology and the Arts in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
For those who are interested, Jill is preparing more in-depth courses in this area of study. These include:

Exploring Creative Faith: An Adult Education Curriculum For Churches

Modern Art and the Church

Crafting Your Big Picture Vision

Theology And The Arts I : Monastic Tradition and the Arts

The goal for these two classes is for us to come to a theology of the arts with enough meaning and
understanding for our congregations to engage even with complex ideas in art and scripture, and
that this engagement will enrich our understanding of who God is.
In his book For The Beauty Of The Church, David Taylor states that one of the main problems with his
ministry to artists was that, I had no final vision for where I should lead them. He goes on to point to
theology and tradition as the two markers for helping us gain a vision for our artists.
Learning Goals:
1. Become familiar with various ways of thinking about the arts (theologically, philosophically, etc.).
2. Become familiar with the history and tradition of the arts in the church and culture.
3. Begin to articulate a big picture vision for your ministry that shows theological thought and
foundation.
4. Compile a personal reading list for further research into areas that interest you within this topic.
Five Picture Frame Ideas:
I. Art As Imitation (this video)
II. Art As Expression (this video)
III. Art As Significant Form (next video, Part II)
IV. Art As Responsible Service (next video, Part II)
V. Art As Sacrament or Gift (next video, Part II)
Introduction: Jill Schuler - Personal and work history; portfolio images and video

Lesson 18

Theology and the Arts, Part I

I. Art as Imitation
A. Early Art: Cave Art, Early Christian Art, and Platonic Thinking

1. Chauvet Cave art

2. Images from the Catacombs in Rome

3. Theotokos Icon - Vladimir

4. Trinity Icon - Andre Rublev

5. Elmali rock church in Cappadocia, Turkey

6. Anastasis in Chora Church, Istanbul

B. Medieval Art and Thought

1. Strasbourg Cathedral

2. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

II. Art as Expression

A. The Renaissance

1. Sketchbook page - Leonardo Da Vinci

2. The Last Supper - Giampietrino

3. The Annunciation - Fra Angelico

4. Lamentation of Christ - Andrea Mantegna

5. Vitruvian Man - Leonardo Da Vinci

6. David - Michelangelo Buonarroti

7. The Sistine Chapel - Michelangelo Buonarroti

a) The Last Judgement

b) The ceiling

c) The Creation of Adam

8. The Tower of Babel - Pieter Brughel the Elder

B. The Reformation

1. The Merode Altarpiece - Robert Campin

2. Christ in the Storm - Rembrandt

3. Self Portrait - Albrecht Durer

4. Hands of the Apostle - Albrecht Durer

5. Woodcut of Doubting Thomas - Albrecht Durer

6. Illustration from a French Bible, 1517

C. The Industrial Revolution

1. Marshalls Flax Mill, Leeds, UK

2. Iron and Coal - William Bell Scott

3. The Orrery - Josep Wright of Derby

4. Experiment With An Air Pump - Josep Wright of Derby

Lesson 18

Theology and the Arts, Part I

D. Romanticism

1. Cross In The Mountains - Caspar David Friedrich

2. Woman At A Window - Caspar David Friedrich

3. The Stages of Life - Caspar David Friedrich

4. Monk By The Sea - Caspar David Friedrich

Questions For Small Group Discussion

Take one of the 5 eras in Art History that we talked about today (only one!) and describe:

2 things you like about it (max 100 words).

2 things you dont like about it (max 100 words).

Your answers should show evidence of additional research and reading, and not simply comment on the
images used in class (though you may use one or two examples from the class).
You may also use images to go along with your descriptions, if you prefer.
The 5 eras are:
1. Early Art: Cave Art or Early Christian Art
2. Medieval Art
3. Art in the Renaissance Era
4. The Industrial Revolution
5. Romanticism

Which of the five eras are you drawn to? Why?

In 2 minutes describe one of your favourite art works from one of the eras we studied, citing title,
artist, and date (roughly if you dont know exactly).

What is resonating with you so far?

What is unsettling or discordant for you?

Lesson 18

Theology and the Arts, Part I

Bibliography:
Art As Imitation
Cyril Mango, The Art Of The Byzantine Empire 312-1453, Toronto: University Of Toronto Press, 2009.
Diogenes Allen, Philosophy For Understanding Theology, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.
Art As Expression
Robin Jensen, The Substance of Things Seen: Art, Faith, and the Christian Community. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
2004.
John Dillenberger, A Theology of Artistic Sensibilities, London: SCM, 1987. (A theological perspective of the
main movements in the history of art and a look at the new direction of the arts. A classic.)
William Dyrness, Visual Faith: Art, Theology, and Worship in Dialogue, Baker, 2001.
Art As Significant Form
Hans Rookmaaker, Modern Art and the Death of a Culture, London: IVP, 1970. (An engaging history of art
from a theological perspective and a discussion on its potential future. A classic.)
Daniel A. Siedell, Whos Afraid Of Modern Art? Essays On Modern Art And Theology In Conversation. Eugene:
Cascade Books, 2015.
Art As Responsible Service
Andy Crouch, Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling. Downers Grove, Il.: IVP, 2008.
Nicholas Wolterstorff, Art in Action, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980. (A thorough and in-depth look at the
intersection of theology and the arts. A heavy academic read.)
Rory Noland, The Heart of the Artist. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999.
Art As Sacrament
Dorothy L. Sayers, The Mind of the Maker. San Francisco: Harper, 1987.
Francis Schaeffer, Art and the Bible. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2006. (A short overview of the scriptural basis for
making visual art.)
Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu, Bridge To Wonder: Art As A Gospel Of Beauty, Waco: Baylor University Press, 2012.
General Ned Bustard, ed. It was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God, Baltimore: Square Halo Books, 2007. (A
diverse collection of essays from a Christian approach to the arts.)
Jeremy Begbie, Beholding the Glory: Incarnation through the Arts, DLT/Baker 2000. (The incarnation explored
through seven different art forms.)
Makoto Fujimura, Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture, Colorado: Nav Press, 2009. (A moving,
personal memoir and reflections of nihonga painter, Mako Fujimura, internationally renowned artist and
founder of the International Arts Movement in New York. His home and studio are blocks from Ground Zero
in New York.)
J. Scott McElroy, The Creative Church Handbook: Releasing The Power Of The Arts In Your Congregation. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2015.
Manuel Luz, Imagine That: Discovering Your Unique Role as a Christian Artist, Chicago: Moody Publishers,
2009.
W. David O. Taylor, For the Beauty of the Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2010.
(A collection of essays looking at the Christianity and the arts conversation from the perspective of the
artist, the pastor, the art patron, the worshipper and more.)