
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. – Philippians 4:8
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it. – John Paul II
The first step – especially for young people with energy and drive and talent, but not money – the first step to controlling your world is to control your culture. To model and demonstrate the kind of world you demand to live in. To write the books. Make the music. Shoot the films. Paint the art. – Chuck Palahniuk
It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure. – Albert Einstein
A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light. – Leonardo da Vinci
Art is powerful. Its influence extends beyond the theater and museum into the bedrooms, boardrooms, and courtrooms of our nations. Stories portrayed on stage or in film seep into the public consciousness, slowly creating a culture in their image. Ideas sang repeatedly on local radio stations find sway in the hearts of unknowing listeners. The mediums of art are vast, but each one has the ability to mold our understanding of reality.
As believers in Jesus Christ, the arts provide us with an opportunity to convey Scriptural truths to a society longing for substance. By creating good art – advertisements, literature, paintings, photographs, dance – we can have a profound impact on those around us. We can sculpt the ideas and actions of an entire generation, enabling them to see and serve God as He deserves. Salt & Light Global encourages each citizen statesman to actively create God-honoring culture by utilizing their skills and talents to write, draw, act, or otherwise produce art.
The following resources are provided for informational use only and are not necessarily endorsed by Salt & Light Global. They should always be examined against Scripture, our primary resource. If you would like to add resources to this list, please contact us.
Articles & Books
- Art in Action: Toward a Christian Aesthetic, Nicholas Wolterstorff
- The Art of Dramatic Writing: Its Basis in the Creative Interpretation of Human Motives, Lajos Egri
- “The Challenge of Christian Journalism”, Collin Hansen
- “The Christian and the Arts”, Jimmy Williams
- Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling, Andy Crouch
- The Healing Power of Stories: Creating Yourself through the Stories of Your Life, Daniel Taylor
- The Heart of the Artist, Rory Noland
- “How to Start an Arts Ministry in Your Church”, J. Scott McElroy & Jessie Nilo
- Imagine: A Vision for Christians in the Arts, Steve Turner
- The Liberated Imagination: Thinking Christianly about the Arts, Leland Ryken
- Modern Art and the Death of a Culture, H.R. Rookmaaker
- The State of the Arts: From Bezalel to Mapplethorpe, Gene Edward Veith
- Unlocking the Heart of the Artist, Matt Tommey
- Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art, Madeleine L’Engle
- “What is Christian Art?”, Jeff Crist
Ministries, Organizations & Events
- Actors, Models, & Talent for Christ
- Artists in Christian Testimony International
- Arts & Entertainment Ministries
- Art & the Bible
- Asian Christian Art Association
- Celebration Ministry of Arts
- Center for Faith & Work: Arts Ministry
- Christian Artists
- Christians in Media
- Christian Musician Summit
- Christians in the Visual Arts
- Flourish Arts
- Gideon Film Festival
- Incarnation Chicago
- Index of Christian Art
- InterVarsity Arts Ministry
- Karitos
- Masterpiece Christian Fine Arts Foundation
- MinistryFlix.com
- Movieguide
- Music & Christian Arts Ministry
- Plugged In
- Sevenapples
- Soundsgood Ministries
- World Journalism Institute
- The Worship Studio