Inter-Varsity Press

Can Christian artists tough it out in the real world? Or can Christian art only survive when unchallenged, in the cordoned off enclave of the Christian subculture? If our music, writing, theatre, painting, artistic expression is insipid and uninspiring, how great is the God who allows it to represent him? How exciting is the life that seems to prefer drabness to colour, shallowness to complexity, security to risk?

The world of the arts and media is where ideas are rehearsed and values are tested. And yet the Christian presence in that world is insignificant, and the church has not always been supportive. Are we fearful of opening ourselves to its influence, or are Christian artists too often swallowed up by the world where they seek to be salt and light?

Steve Turner urges us to develop ways of being out there, of thinking rigorously but christianly, of finding a voice, of achieving an integrity in our artistic expression while maintaining a true spiritual integrity. Only then can our art naturally and inevitably speak of the hope that we have.

Commendations

"For anyone with an opinion on the Arts, anyone who has an artist in their Church, for any artist trying to contextualise their creative gift with their faith, this book is a must. The book is succinct in putting its case across; personal testimony; history; Scripture are all used to affirm the artist's role in the world, as well as educating the reader in how to read, interpret and appreciate art. Turner's celebration of God as Creator opens our eyes and leaves us feeling a tad ashamed at having previously placed him in such a small box. Imagine will challenge, disturb, encourage and set free one's attitude to the Arts. At last there is a record of the journey so many Christians in the Arts have to make - I highly recommend this book." Woman Alive

" ... Pacy, easily read summary of the theological and sociological debates that have taken place within the church over the last few decades." Third Way