A few problems complicate the search for Christian
accomplisment in any field. Often public notice is affected
as much if not more by showmanship than by the quality of
work, whereas a proper humility will neither deny nor flaunt
ability. This puts the Christian at a disadvantage, though it
does not give valid grounds for envious suggestions about
the reason for another's acclaim.
Another problem is the possibility of unbiblical standards in
a field. If "good" art is defined as inherently avant-garde
and shocking, for example, then advocates of that attitude
will probably find little Christian work to suit their definition.
This is not to say that Christian art should not disturb us,
but that seeking to give offense is wrong, and that
excellence in an established movement is not inherently
inferior to starting something new.
Finally, there is the issue of detecting Christian roles in
creative activity. A good Christian scientist or artist will
differ more from a heathen good scientist or artist in his life
than in his work. Much popular effort at making art or
science "Christian" takes the opposite approach, trying to
make the work look different. Sticking a Biblical motif into a
painting does not make it Christian any more than a fish
sticker on a bumper ensures a humble driving style.
Conversely, a picture with no obvious Biblical motif or a
scientific paper with no reference to God may represent
excellent work by a Christian.
Dr. David Campbell
Old Seashells
University of Alabama
Biodiversity & Systematics
Dept. Biological Sciences
Box 870345
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 USA
bivalve@mail.davidson.alumlink.com
That is Uncle Joe, taken in the masonic regalia of a Grand
Exalted Periwinkle of the Mystic Order of Whelks-P.G.
Wodehouse, Romance at Droitgate Spa
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