Art and the Bible : two essays by Francis A Schaeffer IVP Books, 1973 94 pages about £6
ISBN 978 0 830 834 013
Dr Francis Schaeffer is probably best known for his connection with L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. L’Abri now has branches in many countries including the UK.
Francis Schaeffer was a noted speaker (many of his lectures are available to view on You Tube and from the L’Abri website) and he had a worldwide ministry with considerable impact in the West.
L’Abri (French for ‘shelter’) is a study centre where honest answers are given to questions about the meaning, purpose and direction of life and the reality and practicality of the Christian faith.
The two essays in this small book concern art and the Bible.
The first essay examines the scriptural record of the use of various art forms employed, for example, in the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus chs.26-27) and Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings ch.6).
The second essay establishes a Christian perspective on art – all forms – music, painting, sculpture, poetry, the novel, theatre, cinema, popular music and rock.
In 11 sections we consider the art work as an art work; how art forms add strength to the world view; normal definitions, normal syntax; art and the sacred; how art can be used for any type of message; changing styles; modern art forms and the Christian message; the Christian world view; the subject matter of Christian art; an individual art work and the body of an artist’s work.
This may appear, at first sight, to be somewhat ponderous but the style is light and leavened with many illustrations from history, philosophy and the many fields of art itself. It is easy to follow.
This small book is a valuable addition to the growing literature on the Lordship of Christ over the whole of life from an articulate and knowledgeable philosopher and theologian.