Columnist Reviews "Christian Art"

          Many of us Christians involve ourselves in philosophy-of-the-arts conversations, unknowingly. We do when we discuss questions like "What is a Christian film?" and "What is a Christian band?" These aren't new conversations. In fact, they're probably only old conversations, as my estimate is that most (both Christians and otherwise) have subscribed to Tolstoy's view of art when it comes to what makes art "Christian": effective communication of the artist's desired emotional message. Add to Tolstoy's view the frequent set function for indoctrination. This is why much "Christian" art, no matter how technically efficient, remains in subculture.
           This is why I found it interesting that a review of "Christian art" found its way from the Houston Chronicle all the way to the Huffington Post. It's conversations like these between Christians, artists and combinations thereof, discussing the depth of Scripture, literature and beauty, that worship and discipleship can happen in unexpected ways.