Images and Idols
by Thomas J. Terry and J. Ryan Lister | Book Summary
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Author: Thomas J. Terry and J. Ryan Lister
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Neither has to be the case. We have to realize that creativity "not only comes from God, but also is for God" (p. 17, emphasis in original). In other words, we need to make the highest quality art we can make without losing focus of what ultimately matters — the glory of God. When we have our sights set on God and not our art or our success, our images won't become idols for us to worship. Rather, we will put ourselves and our creativity in their proper places. Our creativity will be used for our Creator. |
Thomas Terry is a spoken word artist and one-third of Beautiful Eulogy, a folky hip-hop trio devoted to promoting the glory of God over experimental instrumentals. He is also a lead creative at Humble Beast, a Christian collective that aims to cultivate creative disciples who use their creativity for God's glory. He is also a pastor at Trinity Church of Portland, Oregon.
J. Ryan Lister has a PhD from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently a professor of theology at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He also is the director of doctrine and discipleship at Humble Beast as well as being a pastor at Trinity Church of Portland. He also has authored The Presence of God.
Images and Idols
by Thomas J. Terry and J. Ryan Lister
[ Book Summary ]
| Author | Thomas J. Terry and J. Ryan Lister |
| Publisher | Moody |
| Date | 2018 |
| Pages | 160 |
Overview:
Some people think that Christianity and art don't mix. They have seen one of two scenarios:
- Christians have tried to do art, but it was really just a low-quality, cheap imitation of the world's creativity. Instead of emphasizing quality, they made sure to keep the 'Jesus count' high so that people would hear the gospel.
- Christians have tried to do art, but ended up more focused on their art than their faith. In attempts to be creative, they sacrificed their methods and their missions for the sake of mastering their craft.
Neither has to be the case. We have to realize that creativity "not only comes from God, but also is for God" (p. 17, emphasis in original). In other words, we need to make the highest quality art we can make without losing focus of what ultimately matters — the glory of God.
When we have our sights set on God and not our art or our success, our images won't become idols for us to worship. Rather, we will put ourselves and our creativity in their proper places. Our creativity will be used for our Creator.
Thomas Terry is a spoken word artist and one-third of Beautiful Eulogy, a folky hip-hop trio devoted to promoting the glory of God over experimental instrumentals. He is also a lead creative at Humble Beast, a Christian collective that aims to cultivate creative disciples who use their creativity for God's glory. He is also a pastor at Trinity Church of Portland, Oregon.
J. Ryan Lister has a PhD from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently a professor of theology at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He also is the director of doctrine and discipleship at Humble Beast as well as being a pastor at Trinity Church of Portland. He also has authored The Presence of God.