Over the course of Christian history, art has played an integral part in aiding believers in connecting with their faith and pursuing spiritual formation. We have seen the beauty of God's gifts through the talented hands of artist throughout the centuries. In a time when literacy was not the norm, beautiful frescos depicting biblical scenes taught the stories of our faith. Christians have expressed their love for God and their gratitude for the gifts God has given them by illustrating Bibles and illuminating their pages. In Eastern Orthodox Churches, iconography is an important aspect of Christian worship and devotion.
Unfortunately, over the years, evangelical Christianity has lost contact with art. Besides the illustration of children's Bibles and the occasional "White Jesus" painting, art has been all but banished from the church.
Within youth ministry, though, the emphasis of experiential ministry has re-introduced art as a way of connecting with God and as a valid way to worship. Many emergent and even charismatic churches regularly have a painter in worship. As an artist, myself, I find great joy in this recent development.
This year, 2011, is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible; and to celebrate, world-renown artist, Makoto Fujimura, has been commissioned to illuminate the pages of a very special anniversary edition of the text.
I hope that in watching this video and in reading the pages of this very special Bible, more Christians can once again honor the gift of art in the Church.
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