Discovering God Through the Arts

December 21, 2020
Christian writer Glaspey (75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know) makes a powerful case that engagement with the arts can be “a tool for spiritual growth and formation” in this eloquent work. Glaspey speaks to a diverse Christian audience, addressing both those who consider any art without a specific Christian message possibly dangerous as well as those who regularly engage with secular arts. Though developing an appreciation for the arts can take time, Glaspey writes, doing so is worth the work and can yield spiritual fruits: still life paintings invite attention to the “sacredness of everyday objects”; poetry evokes wonder; a number of visual artists, such as Sadao Watanabe, offer fresh interpretations of biblical stories; and country music gives voice to life’s hardships. Many specific examples of the ways art can “expand our empathy” are included, such as Lewis Hine’s early-20th-century photographs of children working in factories, which led to the passage of child labor laws, and Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, which testifies to the trauma and evil of war. Glaspey shares stories of how these artworks have shaped his own faith, leading to a richer, more contemplative prayer life. This expansive guide will inspire Christians to embrace arts appreciation as a spiritual discipline.