Do Christians Need Art

Do Christians need art? This question arises in the reading by Donald Hudson. The reading begins with the story of Narcissus. He does not need art because he is so obsessed with the way that he looks that eventually it ends up drowning him. Hudson claims that we make art that reflects what we think of ourselves. He also says that the church becomes like Narcissus and does not need art. It is important as Christians that we learn to appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds us. Art gives us a glimpse of the world we do not live in. In other words, it is a window to Heaven. In class we discussed the three main things that art does. First, art transcends us. It reminds us that there is something greater than ourselves. Secondly, art questions us. How do we respond to art? Lastly, art resembles heaven and shows us how unique the creator of the universe is. Hudson points out that Psalm 19 says that God reveals himself to us through his artistry and his word. As Christians, we need to learn to appreciate the beauty that is around us. This beauty can be found in a sunset, waterfall, or something as simple as a flower.