Christian Artists

Post by **_JC** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:42 am

I was wondering if there are any other Christians on this board who are involved in the arts? I believe God has called me to a ministry in the arts and have known this since I was a child. Currently I serve as motion picture writer and director and look at my craft as parabolic in nature. I don't write Christian movies and this confuses people who feel I should be doing so with my God-given talents. I write films for a secular audience and the stories serve as parables to simply challenge the anti-Christian paradigm. Does anyone feel this is a mis-use of talent?

I've never felt that writing secular (albiet clean) films is somehow a compromise because I'm just trying to copy Jesus' storytelling style in a visual form. He told stories about farmers and kings, not Christians and non-Christians... though there's certainly a place for that. The stuff I write is from a Christian worldview but told with religiously-neutral characters. I prefer to use the story itself (not the characters) as a means to convey truth.

Again, the only criticism I've found has been from other Christians. I have no internal comdemnation for the way in which I engage the arts. I'd love to hear some other opinions on this.

Post by **_Allyn** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:58 am

Paul was a tent maker and I doubt he made tents only for believers.

I applaud your kind of talent and wish God's continued blessing on you.

Post by **_TK** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:17 am

quality is what counts; i feel a well made movie of the type you are talking about is more valuable that a poorly made "christian" movie, of which there are plenty.

TK

Post by **_Mort_Coyle** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 7:54 pm

JC, it sounds to me like you're right where you should be - in the world but not of it. I've become disgusted over the years with the way Christian artists have allowed themselves to be "ghetto-ized" and churn out innocous but mediocre "art".

Post by **_livingink** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:20 pm

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 may apply somewhat when Paul made the point that he was not asking Christians to leave the world in order to avoid all sinners. Instead, he said to avoid false brethren. You have the opportunity to introduce the law of love in a meek way--gentle for the weak and strong for the inquisitive--which seems to be a principle that Christ used for those he met. As the Spirit leads--Go!

As to the first question, I perform within the healing "arts". The above principle works for me.

In Christ,

livingink

Post by **_Homer** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:53 pm

Seems to me you a using your "talent" (as in Jesus' parable). God bless!

Post by **_JC** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:30 am

I really appreciate all the comments. To be honest, it's a little surprising to find agreement on this issue because it's been troubling me lately. I've found very few Christians in this calling so that makes things difficult. I have my wife and some trusted friends but everything in this line of work seems to center on pretentious behavior and inflated egos. Some days I truly think I'm kidding myself by trying to survive among the wolves. People think nothing of lying to your face or backstabbing to get ahead.

I'm curious to see how other Christians working in the arts engage their culture. Does one need to lay out the gospel within their respective medium to be a true witness? I write movies that exhort the principles of charity, selflessness and humility. Some Christians think this is a cop-out because I'm not laying out the gospel message with these stories. While I don't agree with this criticism, it sticks to the back of my mind and I constantly question the value of what I'm doing. Some fair-minded opinions would be greatly helpful.

Post by **_Jim** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:35 am

JC,

I believe we are made in the image of God and art is very much part of who we are. Just look at nature and you can see that God is a master artist. I would think creating art that doesn't contradict God, even if it doesn't mention God, is honoring to God since it would be protraying truth.

JC wrote: I write movies that exhort the principles of charity, selflessness and humility.

Those are speaking scriptual truths, it maybe only a seed or sowing the ground.

God bless,

Jim

Post by **_TK** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:23 am

JC- your concern seems to be that even though your films portray "christian" values, since the characters arent noted to be "christian" within the film, then the message may be lost. on the other hand if your characters are "christian" in the film, then you run the risk of your film being labeled a "christian" movie and thereby lose a huge chunk of your audience that might be influenced positively by the film.

I agree with Jim, that your films can be seen as sowing a seed and may soften hardened hearts. perhaps your website could contain a testimony or something where people who watch your films and visit your site can read further about your convictions "behind the scenes."

just be obedient to your heavenly vision!

TK

Post by **_Steve** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:57 am

Hi JC,

Are you familiar with the work of David Cunningham? He is the son of the founders of YWAM, and he is a dedicated Christian directing films. His new film "To End All Wars" stars Kiefer Sutherland and is not a Christian movie. You can read about it at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/137/41.0.html .

Two of my daughters live in Hollywood and aspire to act. This concerned me at first, frankly, but I don't think they are compromising their Christian convictions.