Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts by Steve Turner (2001) - Nonfiction

A concise look at the relationship between Christianity and the arts

Steve Turner is the right man to have written this short but informative book. In 2001 he already had about 30 years of experience as a rock and roll journalist and a writer of numerous books including musician biographies and children's poetry.

It's a book meant for the Christian who is or who wants to create art but feels an unwarranted sense of conviction for doing so. It also gives clear wisdom for anyone who wonders how they can be a more mindful consumer of art and entertainment. This includes all people not only Christians.

Turner doesn't focus on one art form but instead chooses to tackle all of them since he surmises the Christian-art angst includes all its forms. His overarching argument is that Christians should be involved in the art and entertainment world without feeling shame. He goes about this by presenting a concise history of why some Christian groups have viewed the arts with suspicion. In chapter three he argues how Christian artists and Christian consumers of art should understand verses such as Philippians 4:8, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." It's verses like these that have been skewed to discourage Christian artists.

One of Turner's strongest methods of persuasion is when he gives examples of successful Christian artists. For example, the witty American-South writer Flannery O'Conner (actually a Catholic), screenwriter Randell Wallace (Braveheart and The Man in The Iron Mask), Toy Story animator Pete Docter, painter Georges Rouault, T.S. Elliot, and the Irish band U2. He pays special attention on U2 since they've achieved such acclaim from basically everyone in the world.

He also presents a practical five layered circle idea in which Christians can view and create art. The outermost layer is essentially "appropriate" secular art (e.g. a school band) and the innermost is basically the equivalent of worship music you sing at church. He poses many good questions about these circles. He has difficulty answering some questions, however, especially ones about about the cross. How can Christians "incorporate it into art that will disturb and challenge our culture as it should?" (p. 89). It was here that that I thought about people I know who fill their homes with paintings of Jesus and/or the cross. Most of this art is probably not something that the general public would find moving or inspiring since as Turner explains it's not something they're familiar with or maybe even care to learn about.

Turner moves through a range of other sub-topics like how art is perceived and utilized throughout the Bible, the relationship between art and propaganda, the misguided idea that there is a division between the sacred and the divine, how Christian art (especially movies) struggles to resonate with the general public, the definition of a "Christian song," and how the truest art comes from a pure heart.

He highlights facts such as how some Christian artists view their art more as a means for evangelism than for capturing a holistic view of the world (p. 23). He also unabashedly points out how contemporary Christian music lacks artistry. I think this point needs to be kept in perspective since this book was written nearly 20 years ago. Musicians like Toby Mac and rappers like Lecrea are artists who makes music that is forthcoming about their Christian faith, and in my opinion is quality music of substance; speaking to the heart and struggles of everyday people. Other musicians such as indie-folk artist Josh Garrels "has remained loosely tied to the Christian music community throughout his career, he has shied away from declaring himself either a strictly Christian or secular artist, instead letting his music tell the his life's story" (allmusic.com). It's not hard to guess why artists like him have shied away from

proclaiming their faith from the mountaintop; it takes away their relevancy and influence from the general public.

The final chapter is especially relevant for serious artists who have or might actually achieve some fame in the arts and/or entertainment world. What are the challenges they're likely to face and how do they overcome these difficulties? Turner is spot on when he states, "Fame, money, and critical respect have a subtle way of cooling spiritual ardor" (p. 126). He describes the artist's dilemma with attending church and our innermost motivations for creating art.

Christians who are are serious musicians, writers, painters, etc. will probably find Imagine more practical than your average non-artist. However, I think any Christian, or someone who knows a Christian (so probably about 97% of the world) who is interested in Christianity and the arts would enjoy it too. Being only 128 pages it's very accessible and stylistically clear with bits of humor thrown in. Overall, it's a thoughtfully crafted book well worth the read.

Highest Score - 5 Trophies

Writing: 🏆🏆🏆🏆

Readability: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

Argument: 🏆🏆🏆🏆

Overall: 🏆🏆🏆🏆