Firstly, I am new to CF but have had a previous account in which I no longer use. Would love to get to know new people so don't be a stranger! I hope and plan on making it a comfortable home to thoughts, questions, and my (hopefully welcomed) rants. This is a great, spirit-filled website.
That being said, I am a huge fan of Christian art, whether it be paintings, poetry, or compositions. Recently I have began studying Christian poetry and have fallen in love. I myself am a poet, so you could imagine how much I enjoy reading the talent of the past. I am not new to Christianity, and I am indeed a proud "Jesus freak". Which brings me to my point: I am familiar with idolization and it's repercussions.
So, how much respect is too much respect?
The artists I specifically admire are Salvador Dali (painter), Terrence Malick (film director), T. S. Eliot (poet), and R. S. Thomas (poet). I tell you their names for the simple sake of sharing and recommending their work.
Now, the Biblical definition of idolization (in my own words) would most commonly be: an excess admiration or pleasure towards something or someone as much as or equal to God himself. I would not classify my love for these artists as idolization according to the above definition. But as we Christians all know, the Bible is much more than meets the eye.
The thing that worries me is that I have a deep love for these men and their work but I have never even met them. Yes, it is mostly because they are/were fellow brothers in Christ, but still. I also fear that viewing them as "genius'" and "brilliant" may be a form of idolizing; which could be putting them as above others because of their extreme God-given skills. I do not however, consciously anyway, view them as above human or even as "better" than anyone else. I simply admire their intellect and their beautiful minds. When I view upon their work, it is often in glorification God and it's message. But I do have a very deep respect for them though, while I do not know them.
This is where many of you might bring up the point that we all have these same feelings towards the prophets, apostles, and disciples. To me, that is much different. And maybe it shouldn't be, that's for you to tell me. With them, they were directly appointed by God... so if I feel similarly about my favorite artists as I do the prophets, is that too much respect?
This may seem like hogwash babble to some of you, as if I am making way too big a deal out of this. But I am simply being cautious. Which is perfectly okay in my book. I am also headed into ministry, so I may indeed have different convictions.
I appreciate you taking the time and effort to read my nonsense, and will be even more grateful if you have helpful advice. Thanks so much!
That being said, I am a huge fan of Christian art, whether it be paintings, poetry, or compositions. Recently I have began studying Christian poetry and have fallen in love. I myself am a poet, so you could imagine how much I enjoy reading the talent of the past. I am not new to Christianity, and I am indeed a proud "Jesus freak". Which brings me to my point: I am familiar with idolization and it's repercussions.
So, how much respect is too much respect?
The artists I specifically admire are Salvador Dali (painter), Terrence Malick (film director), T. S. Eliot (poet), and R. S. Thomas (poet). I tell you their names for the simple sake of sharing and recommending their work.
Now, the Biblical definition of idolization (in my own words) would most commonly be: an excess admiration or pleasure towards something or someone as much as or equal to God himself. I would not classify my love for these artists as idolization according to the above definition. But as we Christians all know, the Bible is much more than meets the eye.
The thing that worries me is that I have a deep love for these men and their work but I have never even met them. Yes, it is mostly because they are/were fellow brothers in Christ, but still. I also fear that viewing them as "genius'" and "brilliant" may be a form of idolizing; which could be putting them as above others because of their extreme God-given skills. I do not however, consciously anyway, view them as above human or even as "better" than anyone else. I simply admire their intellect and their beautiful minds. When I view upon their work, it is often in glorification God and it's message. But I do have a very deep respect for them though, while I do not know them.
This is where many of you might bring up the point that we all have these same feelings towards the prophets, apostles, and disciples. To me, that is much different. And maybe it shouldn't be, that's for you to tell me. With them, they were directly appointed by God... so if I feel similarly about my favorite artists as I do the prophets, is that too much respect?
This may seem like hogwash babble to some of you, as if I am making way too big a deal out of this. But I am simply being cautious. Which is perfectly okay in my book. I am also headed into ministry, so I may indeed have different convictions.
I appreciate you taking the time and effort to read my nonsense, and will be even more grateful if you have helpful advice. Thanks so much!
