By Elizabeth McPherson
In today's multi-cultural society we are faced with many choices concerning how our faith affects our work. Some insist we must stay quiet about our faith and let our talent speak for itself. Others insist that if you are truly Christian you must be not only open about your faith, but incorporate it into your work. There seems to be much confusion over ministry versus occupation.
In the art field, this is especially prominent. From musicians to painters, Christian Artists are pressured to keep their talent 'ministry oriented' and less 'job oriented.' While it is important that we allow our faith to influence our actions and choices, it seems that many times the deck is stacked against artists compared to other professionals.
For instance, a young college graduate desiring to enter into the computer field as a programmer may not think twice about how his faith affects his job, besides his personal integrity and character. Likewise, he will receive little hassle about 'representing' his faith with his talents. But a young grad aspiring to enter into the entertainment field is immediately bombarded with pressure to be obviously Christian, taking only 'holy' roles, and being outspoken about his or her beliefs. Similarly, Christian artists are pressured to keep their art work 'ministry' oriented and only depict 'Christian' images such as Biblical characters and lessons.
All of these things are good, but are they really required in order to be a 'Christian Artist?' Why are artists required to flaunt their faith when other professionals are not? Further, why can Christian artists not simply allow their lives to minister without limiting their work to 'Christian only' audiences?
I think a fair balance of faith and occupation would be to view all jobs equally as ministry. A computer programmer is just as responsible for reaching and loving people as the cartoonist. While both can certainly use their occupations for evangelism and teaching, sometimes the best ministry is living a life of love and integrity. Many times, it won't take 'in your face' evangelism to minister to people.
Take VeggieTales, for instance. Some Christian groups were upset with Big Idea Productions because the stories were too 'watered down.' While it referenced God and Biblical concepts, the specific message of Christ and atonement was not addressed. While I understand the importance of this message, sometimes, I think we expect entertainment and art to teach rather then doing it ourselves. Why can't art and entertainment just serve to be art and entertainment?
Obviously, artists still need to use sound judgment and common decency, but why do Christian Art or Artists have to bear the responsibility of ministry? Why can't we all do our parts so that people can just enjoy art? And why do we hold artists to a higher standard than other occupations? Discuss this article on the forums. (1 posts) |
