This week I'm reading Franky Schaeffer's Addicted to Mediocrity: Contemporary Christians and the Arts. Schaeffer makes a strong case against "Christian art", which is mired in mediocrity. I'm only about halfway through the book but I've come across many passages I wanted to share with you. Here are just a few:
"Any group that willingly or unconsciously side-steps creativity and human expression gives up their effective role in the society in which they live. In Christian terms, their ability to be the salt of that society is greatly diminished" (24).
"Christians must free themselves from the misconception of more than a century that everything must be measured in terms of its usefulness to the cause of Christianity" (40).
"Creativity, human worth, the arts, cultural endeavor, the media, communication, enjoyment of beauty, creativity in others, enjoyment of our own creativity, enjoyment of God's creativity--all of these need no justification. They are good and gracious gifts from the Heavenly Father above" (39).
"There is no Christian world, no secular world; these are just words. There is only one world--the world God made" (47).
Coming soon: a follow-up with Timothy Michael Powell about the world premiere of his Wedding Mass at Carnegie Hall earlier this month; interviews with a photographer, a painter and gallery owner, and more
5 comments:
addicted to mediocrity is an incredible book. obviously most of the book is inspired by franky's father, francis. the book really changed my perspective on art and music, etc.
peter
A classic book, haven't read it in years. Makes me want to drag my copy back out...
I haven't read this book, so you certainly have enticed me!
I love this quote:
"There is no Christian world, no secular world; these are just words. There is only one world--the world God made" (47).
Thanks for your comments. It's a great book. Some of what Franky Schaeffer says about the work of Christians is strong but it needs saying, now more than ever.
LeAnne
Thanks for your comments. It's a great book. Some of what Franky Schaeffer says about the work of Christians is strong but it needs saying, now more than ever.
LeAnne
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